FIDM Exhibit Showcases the Art of Television Costumes

Costumes from the TV Movie Bonnie and Clyde. (Photo: M. Hall)

Only July 22, the FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Downtown Los Angeles is opening a gorgeous exhibit of costumes entitled “The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design.” The exhibit is free (a favorite from of entertainment for The Recessionista.)  I was privileged to see a preview of this exhibit and if you love costume and film, this is a must-see.  Highlights of the exhibit include costumes from “Breaking Bad,” “Orange is the New Black”, “The Good Wife,” “Salem”, and wait for it… my personal favorite “Downton Abbey.”  The exhibit features not just costumes from “Downton Abby” but the gorgeous jewelry created for the show by Andrew Prince.

The 1940’s era is represented in the costumes from “Pretty Little Liars.”
(Photo: M. Hall)

Los Angeles designer and Project Runway star Nick Verreos explained some of the exhibit highlights to us during the press preview.  “The exhibit is notable because it features costumes that you can look at up-close, to see the incredible detail that goes into their production,” notes Mr. Verreos.  He gleefully points out the handiwork on the Downton Abbey costumes  saying,” Every single dress, most of it is hand done.   See the little dots? That is not a machine darl’in!”

Andrew Prince’s Tiaras & Jewelry created for Downton Abbey are included in the FIDM Exhibit. (Photo: M. Hall)

Watch our video interview with Nick Verreos to hear more about the Downton Abbey Costumes at the FIDM exhibit. Nick talks about the beautiful 1920s style dresses in the exhibits with their drop-waist and exquisite beading.   The  1920s was a period in fashion where woman were literally “liberated” as they no longer had to wear the severe corsets of the Victorian and Edwardian era.

All costumes in the FIDM exhibit have been nominated for EMMY Awards. The 2014 Emmy winners for Outstanding Costumes will be announced at the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday, August 16, 2014.   The exhibit gives fans a rare opportunity to see this costumes up close. Nothing in the FIDM exhibit is encased or behind the glass.

For more details on the exhibit,  visit the FIDM Museum website. To hear more about the exhibit from fashion expert Nick Verreos, watch more of our interview with him.  The exhibit is beautifully curated by noted Costume Designer Mary Rose, former President of the Costume Designers Guild and a longtime executive board officer of the CDG.  If you live in Los Angeles, or you are visiting, this exhibit is a must-see.