Hollywood Costume Exhibit

I finally made it to the Virginia Museum of Fine arts Hollywood Costume exhibit before it leaves town.  The exhibit explores the central role costume design plays in film.  In layman terms, the costume designer actually makes the clothing-he/she isn’t a costume shopper!  And the best designers integrate the clothing and the actor’s role so well, the two become one. 

There are so many great displays to check out in the exhibits,  but a couple of special interest.  Judy Garland’s dress in the “Wizard of Oz” was initially a bright solid frock worn with a curly blonde wig and babydoll makeup.  After the first day of filming, the director decided to have her appear younger and unsophisticated with the now iconic blue gingham dress.

Harry Potter’s robe was another standout.  I could see wearing that tie and shirt now with a pleated skirt!

Marilyn Monroe’s “Some Like it Hot” was a beautifully pleated dress in person.  She really didn’t care what the costume designer put on her, as long as it was bare and sexy.   And How about the size of the waists in garments from the earlier days of fashion?  

The exhibit is on tour from the Victoria and Albert Museum.  There’s something for every kind of film buff to enjoy.  Hurry before it’s gone~