Here's Looking At You, Kid! Ingrid Bergman’s Sensational 1940’s Fashion in Casablanca
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From Storyline to Vintage Fashion: Exploring Casablanca and Ingrid Bergman's 1940s Fashion
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca is a fashionable romantic drama where a beautiful woman (Ingrid Bergman) is torn between her husband, a charismatic resistance hero (Paul Henreid) and her former lover, Rick (Humphrey Bogart.) Peter Lorre, Conrad Veidt, and Madeleine Lebeau co-star in this classic love story by director Michael Curtiz.
The setting is in French Morocco, North Africa during World War II.
Ingrid Bergman’s character, Ilsa Lund, gives us amazing 1940s fashion inspiration.
This post is all about Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Clothes and her sensational 1940’s fashion
What did Ingrid Bergman wear in Casablanca?
Ingrid Bergman’s wardrobe in Casablanca was loaded with 1940s fashion basics: simple day dresses and fitted suits, accessorized with hats, gloves, and brooches.
Early 1940s fashion was practical and utility-inspired.
This was before the late 1940s when Dior's New Look changed fashion from slim and practical, to lavish and extravagant after the end of the war.
In par with early 1940s fashion, Ingrid Bergman's character Ilsa is perfectly dressed for a day of shopping at the French bazaar in the old city, when she bumps into her ex-lover, Rick played by Humphrey Bogart.
No wonder Rick couldn’t keep his eyes off her, as he famously tells her throughout the movie, “Here's to Looking At You, Kid!”
Casablanca Costume Designer
The costume designer for Casablanca was Orry-Kelly, who was known for his innovative designs, and was a prolific costume designer for Old Hollywood.
The wardrobe that he designed for Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca remains inspirational to this day.
Although he didn't win a best costume award for Casablanca, he did win three academy awards for costumes he designed for other films.
Casablanca 1942 Plot
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks in to mine.”
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund arrives in war torn French Morocco during World War II with her fugitive husband Victor Laszlo (played by Paul Henreid), who is on the run from the Nazis.
The couple is trying to get a safe passage (exit visas), so they may escape to the United States.
Unbeknownst to Ilsa, her former lover, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) now lives in Casablanca and runs the bustling nightclub.
He is rumored to have the safe passage tickets that Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa needs to save her husband’s life.
Rick is torn on whether he should forgive her for leaving him in Paris, or fall in love with Ilsa all over again.
Ilsa is torn on whether to stay with her husband or to return to her lost love, Rick.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca
Casablanca feels like a lot like a Hitchcock movie, flawlessly directed with sensational 1940s fashion, a love triangle, sharp humor, and web of intrigue and mystery.
It’s reminiscent to Hitchcock’s Notorious movie that also starred both Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains and exemplifies 1940s fashion, Nazis, and spies in World War II.
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How old was Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca?
The beautiful Swedish actress, Ingrid Bergman, was 27 years old when she played the character Ilsa Lund in Casablanca.
Fun facts!
Ingrid Bergman at 5’9” (with low heeled shoes) was almost two inches taller than Humphrey Bogart.
Since having the leading lady taller than her love interest was a “no-no” in the 1940’s, the director had Humphrey Bogart stand on blocks or sit on cushions to appear taller!
Although Casablanca is one of Ingrid Bergman’s most famous movies, she had other favorites!
“I made so many films which were more important, but the only one people ever want to talk about is that one with Bogart.”
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Costume: 1940’s Outfit #1 - White Evening Dress With Casablanca Brooch
Casablanca 1942 is set in the exotic French Morocco during World War II.
As the Nazis expand their reach across Europe, people flee to this bustling port city desperately hoping to escape to America.
Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, runs a thriving nightclub, frequented by locals and ex-pats displaced by the war.
The Gestapo arrive in Casablanca hot on the tail of a famous leader of the underground resistance, who recently escaped a concentration camp.
Although Morocco is part of unoccupied France, the Nazis still hold some influence.
The French Official in charge, the slightly corrupt and sharp-witted Captain Louis Renault (played by Claude Rains) tells Humphry Bogart’s character the purpose for the Nazis visit and that he must ensure the resistance leader does not leave Casablanca.
Into this charged atmosphere Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund and her tall striking husband Victor Laszlo, the famous underground resistance leader, stroll into Rick’s bustling nightclub and order drinks.
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund wears an elegant fitted white blazer and flowing floor length white skirt.
Her classic 1940’s dress suit is accessorized with a diamond brooch—a stunning intricate concoction of glittering diamonds.
The French official and Nazi come over to their table at the club, and “ask” Victor Laszlo to visit the government offices first thing in the morning.
Ilsa is frightened, afraid they will kidnap her husband.
Ilsa then recognizes the pianist, Sam, and asks him where Rick is, she then begs him to play As time goes by for old times sake.
The pianist initially refuses, but finally relents and sings the song that was Ilsa and Rick’s song.
Rick angrily bursts into the room upon hearing the song and sees Ilsa.
He learns that her husband is the famous resistance leader the Nazi are after.
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Costume: 1940’s Fashion Montage from the Romantic Paris Flashbacks
After Ilsa leaves the nightclub with her husband, Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick starts drinking heavily and has Sam play the song again, exclaiming that if she can stand to hear it, then he can too.
As Sam begins to sing As time goes by, Rick’s memory does a flashback and we learn about how he and Ilsa knew each other before, in Paris.
These flashbacks showcase a collection of beautiful 1940s fashion that Ingrid Bergman wears with true class.
For a romantic afternoon drive through 1940’s France, from the Arc de Triomphe to the stunning French countryside, Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund wears a blazer, with large high fashion shoulder pads to emphasize her sharply tailored jacket.
This is paired with a light scarf for warmth and style.
In the next scene, during their boat ride near the Eiffel Tower, Ingrid Bergman wears a 1940’s matching skirt suit with a dainty knit cap, and simple bracelet.
For the date night in with Rick, Ingrid Bergman’s character wears a white button-up blouse with long sleeves and fitted a-line skirt, nipped in at the waist.
Her outfit is elegant in its simplicity, and is not accessorized with any jewelry.
During this flashback, Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, asks about her past, and she teasingly reminds him, “We said no questions….”
Rick salutes her with his champagne and famous one-liner, “Here’s to looking at you, Kid!”
For a romantic night out dancing, Ingrid Bergman wears a white patterned lace floor length dress with puff sleeves.
This outfit is accessorized with a statement ring with a huge jewel.
Of course you can’t have a 1940’s movie with the leading lady wearing an elegant negligee, and we’re not disappointed with this one!
In this flashback, the two lovers are relaxing in, after a night out. Rick asks why he’s so lucky to find her.
He cannot believe there’s no other man in her life!
Ilsa replies simply “there was…he’s dead.”
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund is wearing a shimmering gold floor length nightgown with a train, nipped in the waist, with lace accenting the neck.
In the next flashback, the grim reality of World War II sets in.
The Nazis are invading France, Ilsa and Rick scan the newspaper headlines at a cozy little Parisian cafe.
For her breakfast in Paris outfit, Ingrid Bergman’s character is wearing a simple plaid dress suit, scarf, and 1940's French beret.
Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, knows he is in danger and must flee, because of his war record.
In the next flashback, as the Nazis move closer to Paris, Sam is playing the piano, and Rick is pouring champagne for him and Ilsa.
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa is wearing a fitted skirt suit with statement buttons, layered over a white blouse.
They plan to flee Paris together, ahead of the Germans.
They agree to meet at the train station.
In a dramatic twist, she never shows up, but instead sends a note saying she cannot come and he cannot ask why, but that she loves him, and he must go.
Heartbroken, Rick climbs onto the train and leaves.
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Costume: 1940’s Evening Gown
The flashback comes to a sudden halt when Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa walks in.
Ilsa desperately tries to explain what happened that night back in Paris.
Rick, drunk and angry, cuts her off.
Heartbroken, she leaves the nightclub, without explaining what happened that night in Paris.
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Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa is wearing a 1940s style white dress with dramatic long sleeves and a scarf tied around her hair.
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Costume: 1940’s Skirt Suit and Hat
The next morning Ilsa accompanies her husband Victor Laszlo to the police headquarters.
The Nazi official tells Ilsa’s husband that he’s an escaped prisoner who will never leave Casablanca, unless he turns in all the resistance leaders he knows.
Victor Laszlo staunchly refuses and leaves with Ilsa.
It’s rumored that there are missing Letters of Transit that can get anyone out of Casablanca to safety to America, but no one seems to know where they disappeared to, after the death of the man who stole them.
Victor Laszlo goes inside the Blue Salon to see who may have the Letters of Transit.
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa steps outside to wait.
Rick sees his opportunity to speak to her alone, and comes over and tells her that he was drunk last night and asks her to finish telling him what happened that night back in Paris.
Ilsa refuses to explain, saying that she doesn’t know him anymore.
She then drops a bombshell--she was married to Victor Laszlo, back when they met in Paris!
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund is wearing a tailored white vest and skirt, layered on top of a dramatic striped black and white blouse, with white sandals.
The accessories for this perfect dress are all white, and include elegant gloves, a hat, and small white purse.
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Costume: 1940’s Paisley Blouse and Skirt
That evening, Ilsa and her husband Victor Laszlo return to Rick’s bustling nightclub.
Victor Laszlo goes up to Rick’s office, outlining the resistance he plans to lead from America, and implores him for the letters of transit, which Rick is rumored to have.
Rick refuses to give them to him for any price, and tells him to ask his wife why.
Back at their hotel, Victor Laszlo tells Ilsa that Rick will not give the letters of transit and asks if she was lonely in Paris, while he was in the concentration camp.
He then tells her that he loves her very much, and trusts her.
When Victor Laszlo leaves that evening for an underground resistance meeting, Ilsa pulls on a white fitted blazer with a matching paisley pattern, and returns to Rick’s salon.
That’s a lot of paisleys, but if anyone could pull it off, it’s Ingrid Bergman!
Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund is wearing a ruffled paisley shirt and elegant floor length skirt, cinched at the waist with a scarf.
Her jewelry is a large ring on her pinky finger.
Ilsa pulls a gun on Rick, demanding the letters of Transit, otherwise her husband will die in Casablanca.
Rick tells her to go ahead and put him out of his misery.
Then Ilsa explains the whole story.
She’d been secretly married to Victor Laszlo for years, but had kept it a secret from everyone, as it would put them in danger if anyone else knew.
Her husband was imprisoned in a concentration camp, and she thought he was dead when she first met Rick in Paris, but she found out the night they were supposed to leave together that he was still alive.
Ilsa tells Rick how much she loves him, and that she doesn’t have the strength to leave him again.
She adds, “I don’t know what’s right any longer…you have to think for both of us, for all of us...”
Humphrey Bogart responds with a classic one-liner: “Alright, I will…. Here’s to looking at you, Kid!”
Ingrid Bergman Casablanca Hat and Costume: 1940’s Stunning Skirt Suit and Hat
The French police take Victor Laszlo away and lock him up on pretext.
Rick tells his friend the Captain Louis (Claude Rains) to temporarily release Victor Laszlo, so they set him up with a real crime that will lock up Victor Laszlo for good.
Newly released, Victor Laszlo and Ilsa arrive at Rick’s nightclub. The French Captain is hiding in the back.
The French Captain Louis Renault comes out from his hiding spot and tells Victor Laszlo that he’s being arrested.
Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, then turns a gun on the French Captain and tells him to call the airport to clear the way for them to leave.
“Here’s looking at you, kid!” Ingrid Bergman’s character Ilsa Lund is wearing a tailored skirt suit with a subtle pattern, over a button-up white shirt, paired with white gloves and a hat as she says goodbye to Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick.
The airport setting is stunning, with 1940’s planes and candlestick telephones, 1940s fashion, complete with rain pouring down.
At the airport, Rick explains to Ilsa how he did the thinking for both of them and realized how much Victor Laszlo loves her and needs her for his important resistance work, and that she belongs with her husband.
He reminds her that the two of them will always have Paris....
Heartbroken, Ilsa boards the plane with her husband.
“Round up the usual suspects”
Hot on their trail, the Nazis arrive at the airport trying to stop the plane, as it leaves the runway.
Rick shoots the army officer, and French Officer Captain Louis Renault covers for him.
The movie closes with the French Officer and Rick walking into the sunset, planning to go to the French Garrison together to join the Allies' cause, as patriots, while Ilsa and her husband are safely on their way.
Casablanca awards
Fashion isn't the only element of Casablanca that was popular. Casablanca also won big at the academy awards.
Casablanca took home the winner in 1944 for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Writing (Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch).
It also scored nominations for best actor for Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains.
Other nominations included Best Cinematography, Best film editing, and Best Music (composed by Max Steiner).
In other words, its a must-see classic!
This post was all about Ingrid Bergman 1940s Fashion in Casablanca
What are your thoughts on the Ingrid Bergman fashion and costumes in Casablanca?
Are you inspired to makeover your wardrobe yet?
Maybe opt for more dresses (circa 1940s glam) and ditch those piles of pants?
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Originally published Nov 2021, updated Feb 2024
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