FIDM: The 24th Art of Motion Picture Costume Design
Oscar season is a buzz and what better way to start off the month then to see FIDM annual Motion Picture and Arts Costume Exhibit featuring many costumes from the 24 top 2015's films. I overheard a guest mention this was one of FIDM top exhibits, and I'd have to agree. While I would have loved to read some tidbits on the detail or process that went into the creation of these garments, they were able to obtain one of the best collections of modern costuming I've seen. Most of my favorite costumes from the past year were featured in the exhibit. Some were tasteful and simple designs, others had the most minute details. I highly suggest the exhibit, it gives you an up close and personal look to a beautiful assortment of costume design. My favorites of the exhibit were Cinderella, Crimson Peaks, Star Wars: Force Awakens, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Revenant. Included are photos and details from my favorite films as well as some other highlights from the exhibit.
Cinderella
The costumes by Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell were incredible. The green gown worn by Cate Blanchett was my favorite dress of the movie, and the amount of tiny sequins hand sewn onto the costume was jaw dropping. The fabrics were gorgeous and had the most vibrant colors. It must have been difficult trying to design a new version of Cinderella’s ball gown while staying true to the one we are most familiar with in Disney's animated version of Cinderella, but I think she did a beautiful job.
Star Wars
The most frequented location in the room was definitely Star Wars. All of the costumes for the film were there including Rey, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, Finn's Storm Trooper outfit featuring the bloody helmet, Teedo (a scavenger from Jakku), and a character that I cannot figure out where they are from (help please!). Designer Michael Kaplan created fabulous costumes that fit seamlessly into the Star Wars universe, and no detail was spared. The new redesign of the Storm Trooper is flawless and they were also able to create a look for the villain that was reminiscent of Vader but not a complete copy. I also liked being able to see details I missed in the film, including a patch of the Imperial Symbol on Teedo’s costume!
Crimson Peak
The costumes for Crimson Peak, designed by Kate Hawley had the most luscious fabrics. The crimson dress that was worn by Jessica Chastain’s character was the crown jewel.
The Revenant
The turn of the century frontier ensembles had the most realistic details by designer Jacqueline West. They seemed like they had really been through the struggles the characters faced in the film.
Mad Max: Fury Road
While the color palette was neutral since the film took place in a wasteland, the costumes from Fury Road by Jenny Beavan were not only functional for the setting of the film, but also had the best details that were meaningful. Tom Hardy wore a replica of the leather jacket Mel Gibson wore in the prior Mad Max films. Charlize Theron’s character, Furiosa, had an intricate mechanical arm and of course a belt buckle of Immortan Joe’s symbol, he branded all of his “property” with. These costumes were also a seamless fit into the Mad Max franchise and looked perfect in the wonderful film.
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
The exhibition is free to the public, Tuesday, February 9 through Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Gabriella Joma has a background in Fashion and Business and currently works in management in the luxury beauty and fragrance industry. She likes to attend and photograph various movie and music events, and believes that Tom Hardy is the greatest actor of our generation. She enjoys going to Disneyland every other week and you can find her enjoying San Diego Comic-Con every summer. Follow @gabbyjo on Instagram for some pics of events around Los Angeles!