H.M.K. Smith(1881-1951)
- Costume Designer
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
Smith was the youngest of 7 children, born and raised in Niles,
Michigan, USA, the son of German immigrants and was an orphan at age
15. After inheriting his parents' property, he sailed around the world.
He settled in New York City and was a costumer for Famous
Players-Laskey Film Company and Paramount Pictures in the 1920's,
dressing personalities of renown such as Lilyan Tashman, Louise Brooks,
Mary Pickford, & Rudolph Valentino, among others. Smith was also
acquainted with and employed at one time by Lady Lucile Duff-Gordon, a
leading fashion designer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
During the Depression, for economic reasons, Smith was caretaker of and shared the home of Juliana Force, first director of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. In the 1930s-40s Smith became the proprietor of a swanky tea house in this home, Shaker Hollow, located in South Salem, Westchester County, New York. There he became acquainted with Metropolitan Opera divas and other notable personalities while simultaneously running a successful catering business. Smith later became a minor radio personality and author of magazine articles on costuming and cooking, and published two small cookbooks.
Smith was a diabetic and passed away suddenly at the age of 70.
During the Depression, for economic reasons, Smith was caretaker of and shared the home of Juliana Force, first director of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. In the 1930s-40s Smith became the proprietor of a swanky tea house in this home, Shaker Hollow, located in South Salem, Westchester County, New York. There he became acquainted with Metropolitan Opera divas and other notable personalities while simultaneously running a successful catering business. Smith later became a minor radio personality and author of magazine articles on costuming and cooking, and published two small cookbooks.
Smith was a diabetic and passed away suddenly at the age of 70.