Art of Motion Picture Costume Design...timely dazzling display Oscar-ready! FIDM Museum!



How timely!

Folks zipping in to town this weekend to scout down a perch with the specific aim of getting a glitzy eyeful of the red carpet Oscar celebrations at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday afternoon - also have a golden opportunity to get up-close-and personal with a dazzling array of exquisite movie costumes on display at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in the downtown core of the thriving Mmetropolis on South Grand Avenue.

The celebrated organization is honoring their 19th year in operation on the West Coast.

The one-of-a-kind collection includes delightful ensembles crafted for noteworthy feature films such as - "Inception",  "Alice in Wonderland", "Wolfman", and "Shutter Island" - to name a prestigious few.

The aesthetic fashion tease may inspire a posse of film fans to surf over to the design facility's well-designed website for a gander at a bevy of unique outfits offered up in rich multi-media and on streaming video!

Project Runway, anyone?

The Los Angeles-based campus houses both a "Permanent" and a "Study Collection" which consists of over 12,000 exciting costumes, chic accessories, and a myriad of lush textiles from the 18th Century through the present day (including those whipped up for film and theatre productions around the globe).

The stunning well-rounded exhibition is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, in fact.

A handful of the top designers with splendid costumers on display include those by Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Lacroix.

The Museum also boasts a period Hollywood Costume Collection on loan from the City of Los Angeles (Department of Recreation and Parks).

RESERVATIONS

213.623.5821
(Ext # 3367)

The Annette Green Perfume Museum, the only one of its kind in the U.S., is on display permanently and dedicated to the historical and cultural role of fragrance around the world.

A smattering of the scents are situated on the 2nd floor of the institute.

Paris Hilton eat your heart out, eh?

The "Mission" of FIDM is to provide students, educators, scholars, and industry personnel with a costume and textile resource so that they are able to explore (and examine) the role of costumes and textiles in their relationship to society and history.

The collection is sustained with standard museum practices for continued acquisition and preservation of costumes and textiles with a focus on the development of education, exhibition, outreach, and volunteer programs.

History

The FIDM Museum & Library, Inc. was founded in 1978.

Since January 1999, the museum operations have been separate from the Library, in order to offer up more specialized care and attention to the specific needs of the costume collection and museum-trained personnel (who have since been recruited for staff positions).

LOCATION

919 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

http://www.fidmmuseum.org

HOURS OF OPERATION

Tuesday - Saturday
(thru April 8th / 2011)

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Popular FIDM exhibits!

Michael Jackson...Western Style celebrated by Gene Autry Museum! Birthday tribute...

The Gene Autry Museum is sponsoring a Michael Jackson event on the anniversary of his birthday which takes a fun foray into how "The West was Worn" by the Pop Icon.

For example, the organizers at the Museum have focused on a few wardrobe items from the Pop star's eclectic collection of western outfits, and elected on the occasion to take an insightful peak at his fascination with the "look" and durability of the style.

The show opened August 17th and is installed in the imagination Gallery.

The space is a permanent Art Gallery dedicated to the imagery of the American West as it is depicted in popular culture.

Access to the installation is free with museum admission

Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry’s Associate Curator of Film and Popular Culture, hosted the opening event which was attended by Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

The two generous industry professionals loaned the outfits to the museum.

Karen Faye, Jackson's hair and make-up artist, made contributions as well.

This exhibition was actually in throes of the planning stages before Mr. Jackson passed to spirit last year.

“When the Autry approached us in 2009 about contributing to this exhibit, we discussed it with Michael [ Jackson ] and he was excited and humbled by the request,” said Bush.

"It is our honor and privilege to in any way help fulfill Michael’s vision and to be able to share with the world a glimpse into the artistic collaboration we were so fortunate to have had with Michael Jackson for almost 25 years and contribute to furthering his incredible legacy for generations to come,” added Tompkins.

“I am delighted to have this exhibit here representing Michael and what Michael meant to this country and so many generations of fans,” beamed Jackie Autry, Founding Chair and Lifetime Trustee of the Autry National Center .

The Michael Jackson outfits stand inside a specially designed three-sided case featuring two full-size mannequins.

The costumes include a blue rhinestone and fringe cowboy outfit worn on the television variety show - The Jacksons - on March 2, 1977; a red-and-black bib-front shirt designed by Tompkins and Bush (who were responsible for many of the Western influences found in Jackson’s clothing); a fedora hat; aviator sunglasses; and a pair of altered Levi 501 jeans (embellished by Tompkins and Bush) that Michael wore on November 17th (1996)  while promoting the HIStory World Tour in Sydney.

In the center of the display case is the iconic single white glove which Jackson wore on the March 2002 cover of Vibe magazine.

That was the last official occasion that Michael was professionally photographed wearing his signature  trademark accessory.

Michael Jackson requested that  everything made for him be of museum-quality.

"This needs to be able to be displayed in a museum. It has to be detailed," MJ  underscored to Tompkins.

“It didn’t matter what the cost or the process it took to create a piece, if it didn’t work when he danced, it came off,” said Bush.

Other items on display include a Western-style belt and buckle that Jackson wore on several occasion - most noticeably - for the “Beat It” single record cover and promotional materials.

In addition, the exhibit includes a pair of steel cowboy boots, designed by Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, that Jackson wore to the White House in April 1990.

An original sketch of the red-and-black bib-front shirt by Tompkins and Bush is also prominently displayed and includes Michael Jackson’s signature.

A video accompanying the display features Jackson ’s performance of the hit songs “Cisco Kid” and “I Shot the Sheriff” on a set decorated to look like a Western saloon.

The Jackson western tribute is actually surrounded by objects belonging to the Cisco Kid, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood  - which makes for a nice touch - at the Autry.

“The Autry explores the diversity and complexity of the American West, a place of hopes and dreams where myth and history intertwine,” said Richardson .

For this installation, the Museum staff explore how a pop icon embodied the tradition and style of the American West throughout his illustrious career.

Because Michael Jackson was larger than life and a global icon, the influence behind his style may never be measured exactly, but it is undeniably felt as this exhibit attests to.

At the dazzling Autry, fans have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse at how Michael took everyday Western styles and made them uniquely his own.

"In the world of style, Jackson ’s willingness to try different patterns and designs made him truly special, " note the curators.

'While many of Jackson ’s costume influences - from military jackets to aviator sunglasses - are readily apparent, his frequent use of Western wear has gone virtually unnoticed."

The Michael Jackson installation is made possible by the generosity of the costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush.

The Autry and Hot 92.3 FM Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Birthday on Sunday August 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event will include Hot 92.3 FM DJ's spinning Michael Jackson music in the Museum Plaza, live dance performances and classes, zombies, birthday cake, and fun give-a-ways throughout the day.

Details & Info

www.TheAutry.org

www.Hot923.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

Super Bowl...Bruce Springsteen & Stones best half-time gigs! Saints nab trophy...

Springsteen top vote-getter in poll!

Halftime Super Bowl performances have become legendary musical events over the years.

So, of course, pollsters at the Los Angeles Times were inclined to pose a question to their readers.

"Who had the best Super Bowl halftime show?"

Within days, there was a frenzied response from fans, keen to lodge their favorites.

The winner hands down?

Why, Bruce Springsteen, naturally!

After all, his hit - Born in the USA - is right up there with football as a prominent symbol of American Culture.

When the numbers were tackled Springsteen boasted a 10,000 vote lead in popularity, and thus, managed to squeak by Jagger and the other long-haired English blokes in his musical circle with ease.

U2's crescendo amounted to a palty 114 decibels - er - votes.

In the same scientific poll (!) 59 percent have speculated that the tough Saints will nab the prize.

The Colts are predicted to score big with 47 percent of the votes in their favor.

Moi?

I am always glued to the old  boob tube praying  for a wardrobe snafu to brazenly unveil some nubile flesh!

Play ball!

Saints predicted to snatch trophy!

www.julianayrs.com

Man Style...fashion faux pas! Dress right for success...

I was channel surfing earlier today, when I stumbled on a TV show featuring a couple of local celebrities, and was aghast to spy more than one fashion faux pas!

In a column on menswear that I wrote for a daily newspaper - The Province - I often offered up tips so men grappling for the brass ring would have an advantage in the competitive world of business and commerce.

Since there appears to be a cry in the wilderness for help, here goes.

First, never wear a "Dress Suit" jacket with jeans; the look jars the sensibilities and often conjures up scorn from the top levels of management.

When you are properly suited up, take care of the finer points of dressing, too.

For instance, the tie should not be too long or too short; in fact, it should fall at waist level right at the "belt" line.

The cuff of your dress shirt should also fall crisply about 1/2 inch below the jacket sleeve. No more. No less.

To avoid looking like you came from the wrong side of the tracks, never press your dress pants with the hot iron directly on the fabric - otherwise - you'll end up with an unsightly shine in the pants. Tacky, and cheap-looking!

Most important!

The cuff of your pant leg should break - just so - at the front of your dress shoe. For this reason, it may be wise to take the shoe you'll be wearing to the tailor when the cuff is hemmed to ensure precision in this regard.

Never wear a boutonniere and a pocket handkerchief at the same time because it is strictly verboten. Along the same line of thinking, please note that teaming up suspenders with a belt is considered redundant, so avoid it like a trendy fashion plague.

And, it would be wise to listen up in respect to shoes, too; never wear brown shoes with a black suit.

Also, be sure to ban white socks from a dress suit ensemble.

You'd be wise to take note that a boss often looks at your feet first as a test of character. If the shoes are properly buffed and shined - unscuffed and not broken down at the heels - you'll make your way up the corporate ladder faster than you can say "Donald Trump".

For sure, don't go overboard with any controlled clashing of patterns.

The quirky idea was a trend for a while, but generally, the rule of thumb is this: if you're not experienced with mixing and matching techniques, stick with one pattern and two plains.

For instance, if the tie is patterned, harmonize it with a plain jacket and a plain shirt so that the colors and textures offset the cravat.

However, if there is a pattern in the jacket (even if it is only due to a noticeable texture in the fabric such as ribbing in herringbone) go for a plain shirt.

Also, make sure the hues in the jacket and tie are complementary and the colors are coordinated and harmonized tastefully.

If you want to avoid another silly mistake, always take both pieces of the suit to the cleaners for drycleaning; otherwise, if one item is pressed more often than the other, it will fade and look unmatched and underscore your lack of fashion savvy.

By the way, it is generally uncouth to wear a sport jacket with blue jeans, unless the denims are brand new and neatly pressed. Only wear grungy jeans with a broken-in corduroy jacket - maybe with patches on the elbows, for instance - to effect that campus or devil-may-care Prof look.

Finally, only wear one or two pieces of understated tasteful pieces of jewellery, like a quality watch and ring. None on the pinky finger, please.

And, avoid walking into the room with the overpowering scent of bar soap or Old Spice emanating from your person.

The women (in some cases, even the guys) will run the other way.

Remember, it's style - not the clothes - that make the man!