17th Annual “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design”

Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on May 23, 2010 at 2:59 pm

Oscar Nominee Taraji P. Henson for Actress in a Supporting Role as Queenie and the dress she wore in the film.

Exhibit Open to the Public

Imagine being only a few feet away from some of the most fabulous creations worn in the movies.  That’s what you will experience at the current “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” exhibit at the FIDM Museum and Gallery.  “We are showcasing approximately 120 costumes,” said Kevin Jones, Costume Historian for the Museum.  Designs range from period pieces dating 500 years ago to cutting edge costumes used in contemporary films.   FIDM graduates Marlene Stewart designer for Stop-Loss and Tropic Thunder and  Mona May, designer for The House Bunny are also featured in the exhibit.  “The designer is creating character,” said Jones.  “The costume has to allow the actor to take on a character to be able to perform.  A lot of actors say they cannot get into the character until they put on their costume.”  Some costumes are restricting, such as corsets worn by women- confining certain movement when portraying a character.  Stunt costumes, by contrast, must perform with the actor.  Mr. Jones explained, “If you jump out of a window and your coat has to open up really beautifully, it has to perform while you’re going down.”

“This is the 17^th year that we have done this exhibit, “ said Barbara Bundy,  Acting Director of the Museum and Vice President of Education.    “It is a wonderful service to the entertainment industry and the community.  There is never a charge to view the exhibits. It’s really inspirational for students, not only interested in motion picture or theatre design, but also fashion design.”  Designers and people from the Academy view the exhibit to vote for the best designs.

Jacqueline West, designer for  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is nominated for an Oscar.   Costumes were important in this film depicting 1896 to 2006.   “That was the big challenge of that film.  It was keeping the integrity of the character through so many different eras and fashion trends; making it believable without it being over the top.  When you think of any period of time there are people who are behind and people who are ahead.  Cate Blanchett’s character Daisy always was a bit ahead of her time and Brad Pitt’s Benjamin,a little behind.   The other huge challenge was dressing him both young and old when he’s young and both old and young when he’s old,” said Ms West.  She researched the photography of Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange and Disfarmer to capture eras of the Depression.  Referencing Disfarmer, she comments, “When you look at his photographs you feel you’re looking into someone’s soul.”  She explained how, “photo albums give you a real sense of how people progressed, they dress a certain way when they’re young and they keep that style.”  Her mother was a fashion designer and once told her “fashion changes, style stays the same.”  “I think that’s why people get so drawn into the movie not only by the clothes, but the cars,” she said. “People from the 50’s were driving cars from the 30’s, the 20’s, the 40’s.”

“It’s incredibly exciting and it’s thrilling to know that people are beginning to see the designs and understand the work that goes into it,” said Danny Glicker. “I’m so proud to be able to give the movie MILK another nomination as a designer. Authenticity was the most important, driving, motivating concept behind everything we did for the look of the movie.”  Mr. Glicker has researched books, documentation, photographs, and video of Harvey Milk’s life.  Additionally, Harvey Milk’s camera shop was rebuilt in its original location.

The FIDM Museum & Galleries is located at 919 So. Grand Avenue in Los Angeles and the exhibit is open to the public now until March 29, 2009.  Hours of operation are 10am-4pm Wednesday thru Sunday.   For additional info, please call 213-624-1200 x 2224.