The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s most exquisite and sought after house of art and design, recently opened the long anticipated Hollywood Costume exhibition. More than 100 original pieces had their chance to come under the spotlight once more as visitors were taken on a trip down the red-carpeted golden age of film. No need to click your ruby red slippers however, as the collection is enough to make all dreams come true, as it is a place to reignite childhood memories and relive the most epic scenes ever to rock the Hollywood hills.
Judy Garland in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, wearing the iconic gingham dress which was sold for $480,000 (£302,000) at auction in Beverly Hills yesterday
Some costumes travelled somewhat further than others as a certain raspy breathed galactic flew in from a galaxy far, far away. Not to mention a rather rugged Captain Jack who washed up to the exhibition, rum in hand. How unprofessional! Yet the only gasps sprouting from the mouths of children were surrounding a ceiling bound spider, of course with sheer delight. These awe inspiring costumes span across the years 1912 to 2012 and were in fact flown over from private, archival collections within Californian studios. So there’s a phenomenal opportunity to imagine you’re with young Marilyn, grasping her iconic white number upon the infamous subway grate. Or perhaps you’d prefer to skip your way back to Kansas, a woven basket brushing against the simple gingham dress. Whether you prefer the crackly black and white classics with the likes of Charlie Chaplin or the cutting edge design of 2012 bringing you Avatar, there’s a costume for everyone to behold and cherish.
The word ‘exhibition’ may give dreaded impressions of moping around tedious displays as you pretend to look somewhat culturally aware yet this is the antithesis. They are not just costumes which have appeared in films you may have heard of and never gotten round to watching or outfits you may have once tried to replicate. (I’m sure most men have at some point donned a penguin black ‘Bond’ suit whilst rolling around with a two-finger gun). Costumes are the ultimate embodiment of the character’s persona as they are a window into their past, a sheer construction of their identity. They are most certainly not just mere outfits as precise and time consuming research, analysis and eventual design takes place before us viewers can embrace their ‘coolness’ or iconic stature.
Take the infamous green dress worn by actress Keira Knightley in The Atonement, designed by Jacqueline Durran. Director Joe Wright specifically requested the emerald colour, as it not only captures the raw emotion of jealousy but is the very essence of 1930’s British couture. This being a well-known example of the way in which on screen costumes become iconic symbols within society. The best costumes offer a mirror into the past whilst embracing the sheer drama of the present.
Whether you wish to relive those times sat cross-legged in awe of colour screen in the 70’s or simply wish to watch the rainbow of sequins shimmer from the flared jumpsuits Meryl Streep donned in the most recent Mamma Mia. There is something for everyone. The winner most certainly takes it all with this exhibition.
