Hollywood Costume at the V&A...

I was fortunate enough to attend a member's preview of Hollywood Costume at the venerable V&A last night. I am loath to use the phrase 'hottest ticket in town', but if the cliché fits...

Gathering iconic attire from over a century of cinema; the exhibition explores the pivotal role costume plays in silver screen storytelling, the wardrobe designer’s creative process and the connection between actor and attire. Plus there were some really gorgeous gowns...

Raging Bull

While at times it was truly awe-inspiring to be in such close proximity to these outfits (Seven Year Itch Marilyn, Breakfast at Tiffany's Audrey/Givenchy, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, The Dude's bathrobe, Darth!!!), I couldn't help but feel that the layout was clumsy and cluttered. I foresee a pandemic of 'gallery rage', as people push with pointed elbows to get closer to the hems of their heroes.

A bewildering amount of space was devoted to Natalie Portman's trampy get-up in Mike Nichols instantly forgettable and mostly unnoticed 'Closer' and yet Charlie Chaplin's Tramp found himself unceremoniously wedged in between the imperial magnificence of The Last Emperor and the stunning Scarlett O’Hara (both fabulous in their own rights). The superheroes (Batman, Spiderman but particularly Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman) fared worst of all, as they appeared to have been shoved on any remaining dusty ledges and undignified nooks. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had run out of plinths.

The Dude, Big Lebowski

Some of the costume choices were also a tad baffling; the Jason Bourne character isn’t exactly know for his glamorous get-up (grey cotton was all I got). While to feature anything from John Carter, Disney’s $150m loss-making debacle, was almost cruel. And the inclusion of a dull dress from the equally dull 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' was utterly inexplicable. Kate Hudson should NEVER make it into any sort of retrospective, unless someone is curating an expo on vapid actresses and Hollywood nepotism.

The lighting also didn't really do many of these masterpieces justice and was rather affected. As if controlled by some demented dimmer switch, it would suddenly plunge the exhibits into near darkness, just as you were trying to study the stunning peacock feathers of Hedy Lamarr's jaw-dropping dress from Samson & Delilah (1949).

However I would still highly recommend a trip to South Ken, as there is something so magical about being so close to these garments. Although how close you might actually get is quite another thing...

Boat drinks and hooray for Hollywood!

P.S Exit through the gift shop, as yet again the V&A buyers have excelled themselves.

P.P.S Couldn't take many snaps, as security was rather 'vigilant'.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/