Saturday 20 October 2012

Hollywood Costume at the V&A

The Hollywood Costume Exhibition has already been described as the 'best ever' exhibition at the V&A! During her introductory talk to a packed lecture theatre, Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis described the exhibition with passion and enthusiasm. As guest curator, she and assistant curator, Keith Lodwick, had spent 5 years working on the exhibition, bringing together the costumes and developing the amazing imagery and graphics. Many of the costumes were tracked down and borrowed from private collectors.

Stunning graphics, a multitude of screens and innovative tabletop projection techniques bring the process of costume design to life. A 'conversation' between Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro is a highlight. The actors discuss costume in detail 'seated' amongst some of their most famous outfits.

Professor Landis emphasised that all costume design begins with the screenplay and that the ideas for good design are often found in the script. Excerpts from the scripts are highlighted along side each costume in the first display room. For example, a detailed breakdown of Indiana Jones' iconic clothing (designed by Professor Landis) shows exactly why the design decisions had been made, even down to the depth of the brim on his hat!

The Hollywood Costume Exhibition runs until 27 January 2013, but the famous ruby slippers are only on show for the next 4 weeks..........

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