The gorgeous Hollywood Costume exhibit that has been getting rave reviews and massive crowds at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is coming to Los Angeles, its final stop.  The costumes will be on display from October 2, 2014 to March 2, 2015 in the historic Wilshire May Company Building, the future location of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The companion book, Hollywood Costume is by curator Deborah Nadoolman Landis, who created Indiana Jones’ iconic look as well as the costumes for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”  The exhibit includes more than 145 costumes, many from Oscar-winning designers, with an additional 40 added to the original show, including  Jared Leto’s costume from Dallas Buyers Club (Kurt and Bart, 2013) – a recent acquisition from the Academy’s Collection – as well as costumes from such recent releases including The Hunger Games (Judianna Makovsky, 2012), Django Unchained  (Sharen Davis, 2012), Lee Daniels’ The Butler  (Ruth E. Carter, 2013), The Wolf of Wall Street  (Sandy Powell, 2013), American Hustle  (Michael Wilkinson, 2013), and The Great Gatsby  (Catherine Martin, 2013).  

Costumes are more than just pretty.  They are a vitally important a part of telling the story.  They help to define the characters and show us where to look.  It is very satisfying to see the brilliance of these designers, from Edith Head and Adrian in the classic films of the 1930’s-50’s to contemporary stars like Colleen Atwood and Catherine Martin.

Here’s a television report on the Victoria and Albert exhibit.

Deborah Nadoolman Landis talks about the highlights of the show.   Be sure to look at the note from the designer of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress from “The Seven Year Itch.”  It says, “I’m going to have my precious baby standing over a grate.  What would I give her to wear that would blow in the breeze and be fun and pretty?”

Of course, this is fun and pretty.  And unforgettable.

And here’s an interview with some of the top costume designers working today.