Oscar Film Fashions on Display at FIDM in Downtown L.A

For those who can’t get enough of Oscar-nominated films, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising offers the Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit running Feb. 11-April 26 in downtown Los Angeles.

The free show, now in its 22nd year, covers over 100 costumes from more than a score of films, including all five pics nominated for costume design by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

FIDM spokesman Nick Verreos (“Under the Gunn”) says the display adds another layer of information to the awards season. “We try to get a good mix, not just period and fantasy but also contemporary so the visitors, who may not be fashion-conscious or design-conscious, get an education on costume design,” Verreos says.

Besides “American Hustle,” “The Grandmaster,” “The Great Gatsby,” “12 Years a Slave” and “The Invisible Woman,” which are Oscar-nommed for costume, the exhib includes outfits from “The Hunger Games” (with the famous “Mockingjay” dress), “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Saving Mr. Banks” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

Verreos says many members of the industry check out the exhibition, including costume designers who want to see what their rivals have wrought, as well as Academy voters before casting their ballots. Verreos says that if he were a voter he would “watch the movie and see the exhibition before I punch the final vote.”

He also points out that for visitors to Hollywood the exhibition “is a great extra” in addition to the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre. “You can really see the details of the costumes,” he adds. “I love hearing the visitors’ reaction that the actor was so short or so skinny or had weight on them.”

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