Motion Picture Costume Design And Other Treasures In Downtown Los Angeles

The author sports a cloche hat at the Bradbury Building in L.A.

Once again, I attended the Art Of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit at FIDM's Museum and Galleries in Downtown Los Angeles. Now in its 22^nd year, the exhibit showcases outstanding costumes from the year's best films. In a year filled with period films, superheroes, sci-fi, action, and fairy-tales retold, costume designers had considerable opportunity to display their talents on the big screen.

While some may find it particularly mesmerizing to see costumes displayed from the likes of Man Of Steel, G.I. Joe, and Thor, my eyes wandered toward more classic costume design. I was far more fascinated by the detailing of the more elaborately tailored and embellished costumes from The Hunger Games, Oz, American Hustle and The Great Gatsby.

The contributions of motion picture costume designers capture a world, an era, and a story on film. Costume designs come to define a character. Costume designer, Catherine Martin, nominated for The Great Gatsby, explains: "That's the job of a costume-the actor is the transformer. The actor with the script and the director really make the story, and the costume is there to support the process." (From FIDM exhibit notes) What would The Great Gatsby be without the lined suits of Tom Buchanan's Yale pedigree or Daisy's glittering headpieces and gorgeous Prada evening gowns? Also, on display are costumes from American Hustle including several of Rosalyn's frocks as well as some of those low-cut ensembles Amy Adams wore so well as Sydney. American Hustle's Costume Designer, Michael Wilkinson, is among those nominated for an Oscar this year.

** For full article, please click HERE**

Other Treasures Near FIDM (Downtown Los Angeles)

After you've completed your cultural excursion to FIDM's museum, take advantage of downtown L.A. While I was there, a friend and I walked from the Fashion Institute to     The Bradbury Building (304 S. Broadway.) Originally built in 1893, The Bradbury Building is known for both its architecture and its appearances in films such asBladerunner, 500 Days of Summer and The Artist.

The Bradbury's exterior is rather understated, but walk a few steps inside and you'll see what all the fuss is about. The building's interior houses a central court and atrium that beautifully allows natural light to illuminate the cascading staircases and highlight the ornate filigree ironwork that's seen throughout the building.

The Fashion Institute Of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) hosts the 22^nd Annual Art Of Motion Picture Costume Design February 11 - April 26, 2014.

FIDM Museum & Galleries: 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90015
Gallery hours are: 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. (Tues - Sat) 

** The exhibit is FREE and easily accessible from the Los Angeles Metro Red Line. 

Please note:Photography is not permitted inside the exhibit. FIDMmuseum.org

The Bradbury Building is located at 304 S. Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles.
The building is open to visitors from 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. (Mon -Fri) and
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Sat/Sun)

Copyright © 2014 by KLiedle