15 fantastic costume and props exhibits on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks cinema...

People appeared to have enjoyed my trip down memory lane showcasing some of the cool temporary movie costumes and props exhibits that happened at ArcLight Hollywood cinema over its years of operation, so it only makes sense to do a similar collection for the now defunct ArcLight Sherman Oaks (which was reopened after the pandemic as a Regal cinema).

Julie & Julia movie costumes on display

in July 2009

First up are these costumes worn by Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in Julie & Julia, the film about culinary icon Julia Child and the food blogger she inspired, Julie Powell. This costumes were photographed at the venue at the end of July 2009.

Max costume from Where The Wild Things Are

on display in October 2009

ArcLight Sherman Oaks always seemed like a more family-friendly affair in the valley, so it wasn't a surprise to see this 'Max' costume from Where The Wild Things Are on display in October 2009.

Casablanca movie costumes

on display in February 2010

As part of a collection of special screenings celebrating the History of Warner Bros. Studios, the studio's museum archives chose to exhibit these screen-worn costumes from 1942's classic Casablanca at the cinema in February 2010. What a treat to see screen legends Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart's costumes on display.

Inception movie prop

on display in July 2010

From Hollywood history to props from the future and this cool Pasiv Dream Machine prop was on display alongside Inception movie costumes in the summer of 2010.

Immortals movie costumes

on display in October 2011

In October 2011 Henry Cavill and Luke Evan's costumes from the mythological fantasy, Immortals, were on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks.

John Carter movie costumes

on display in February 2012

Disney's big screen John Carter (of Mars) movie adaptation may have been a big flop at the box office, but it was still cool to see the sci-fi costume designs on display to promote the film in February 2012.

The Dictator movie costumes

on display in May 2012

In May 2012 Sacha Baron Cohen's latest spooftacular, The Dictator, was supported with this grand costume exhibit.

Frankenweenie stop-motion animation exhibit

from September 2012

In addition to screen-used costumes and props from the big screen, the cinema also occasionally showcased cool stop-motion animation maquettes from film's like Tim Burton's Frankenweenie in September 2012.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters movie costumes

on display in January 2013

This trio of witch costumes from Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters were shaped at the theatre in January 2013, and even more costumes from the reimagined German fairy tale could be found at the Hollywood location.

Muppets Most Wanted movie costume and car exhibit

from March 2014

I loved this cute costume and prop exhibit from 2014's Muppets Most Wanted, featuring a costume worn by Ty Burrell and tiny car used in the comedy caper.

Maleficent movie costumes

on display in May 2014

In May 2014 costumes worn by Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning were on display for Disney's live-action Maleficent movie, the origin story of the dark fairy from Sleeping Beauty.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 movie costumes

on display in August 2014

Marvel Studios fans got to see original costumes from the first Guardians of the Galaxy film in August 2014, when regular cinema-goers were introduced to cosmic characters like 'Star-Lord' and 'Gamora'.

The Hateful Eight movie costumes

on display in January 2016

Quentin Tarantino's western, The Hateful Eight, was promoted at the cinema with costumes worn by Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Madsen in the film, just in time for Hollywood awards season campaigning in January 2016.

Beauty and the Beast movie costumes

on display in December 2016

Disney certainly used the venue to highlight its latest cinematic offerings, pre-promoting it's live-action Beauty and the Beast adaptation with this attention-grabbing exhibit in December 2016 for the film that opened theatrically in March 2017. 

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms movie costumes

on display in October 2018

And finally, this quartet of elaborate costumes from The Nutcracker and the Four Realms really made an impression in the cinema's lobby in October 2018, and is the last exhibit I ever saw at the venue.

Movie exhibits were are real part of the upscale cinema chain's brand DNA, and not growing up in Hollywood or being involved directly in the entertainment industry I really loved seeing all these costumes and props in person and sharing them with the world on this blog.

Going to watch a really good movie at the cinema is a great feeling, seeing some of the wardrobes and items that helped bring those films to life on the big screen just deepens your enjoyment of those movies.

Thanks for the memories ArcLight Sherman Oaks.

15 fantastic costume and props exhibits on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema...

When I was reminiscing about past FIDM Museum television exhibitions the other day, it got me thinking about all the cool costumes, props and vehicles from the movies that used to be on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema. It was my favourite cinema-going experience, with no ads before the movies and only three trailers, plus regular Q&As with Hollywood actors, writers and directors, and on top of all that seeing all the screen-used costumes and props from the films was a real treat too. So many people work, or aspire to work, in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, but if you've not grown up around all these behind-the-scenes treasures it's a real thrill to see them up close and in person. The cinema closed down during the pandemic and the Hollywood location has yet to reopen, even though there have been rumblings of a new operator for months now.

Iron Man suit worn by Robert Downey Jr.

on display in May 2008

First up I have to share what I saw on my very first outing to ArcLight Hollywood in May 2008, the suit from Marvel's Iron Man movie on display (and his sports car was parked outside too).

Mamma Mia: The Movie costumes

on display in July 2008

Next up are a quintet of camp costumes from the movie adaptation of Mamma Mia, worn by the likes of Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried and Julie Walters in the summer of 2008.

Watchmen movie costumes

on display in March 2009

One of my favourite exhibits were these Watchmen movie costumes and I loved how you could walk all around the display and see the superhero suits from every angle and out form behind reflective cases. Sadly over time items of clothing were stolen from the displays and costumes and props had to be secured to protect them from unappreciative, thieving guests.

Stop-motion animation puppets and set from Fantastic Mr. Fox

on display in November 2009

What I also loved is that you got to see models, puppets and sets from stop-motion animation films at the cinema too, like these from 2009's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Other movies showcased included Coraline, ParaNorman, Anomalies, Missing Link and Isle of Dogs.

Optimus Prime truck from Transformers: Dark of the Moon

parked beside the Cinerama Dome in June 2011

In June 2009 for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and in June 2011 for Dark of the Moon, Autobot trucks and cars used in the blockbuster movies could be found parked outside ArcLight Hollywood and the infamous Cinerama Dome.

Moonrise Kingdom movie exhibit

in May 2012

Screen-used costumes and props from Moonrise Kingdom were camped out in the cinema's foyer to entertain guests in May 2012.

The Conjuring movie props

on display in July 2013

There was always something for everyone on display at the theatre, from robots-in-disguise to possessed dolls from The Conjuring and other screen-used props from the supernatural horror on display upstairs.

Thor: The Dark World movie costumes

on display in November 2013

In November 2013 costumes worn by Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins in Marvel Studios Thor: The Dark World could be seen in the cinema's lobby.

The Grand Budapest Hotel production model

on display in March 2014

In March 2014 the actual miniature production model of The Grand Budapest Hotel was on display in all its glory in the cinema foyer, such a fun and detailed thing to behold in person.

The Martian astronaut suit worn by Matt Damon

on display in September 2015

For sci-fi fans, Matt Damon's NASA spacesuit from The Martian could be viewed from every angle in September 2015.

Suburbicon movie costume and prop exhibit

in October 2017 

I also love how the studios would try and make their exhibits more interesting by dressing them with props and set pieces form the movie to help showcase the costumes in style, like with this retro Suburbicon movie exhibit example from October 2017 with costumes worn by Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Noah Jupe.

Ad Astra movie costume and vehicle exhibit

from September 2019

In September 2019 not only was Brad Pitt's spacesuit from Ad Astra on display in the lobby, but they'd also parked his space buggy from the science fiction film too.

Halloween movie costume exhibit

from October 2018

To help scare up an interest in the rebooted Halloween slasher horror franchise, 'Michael Myers' costume lurked in this bloody cool house and porch exhibit in October 2018.

First Man movie costume and control room set exhibit

from January 2019

To help bolster First Man's awards season chances, costumes worn by Ryan Gosling as astronaut Neil Armstrong and a control room set were on display in January 2019.

Camo Tumbler from The Dark Knight Rises

outside ArcLight Hollywood in July 2012

And finally for this eclectic collection of screen-used costumes, props and picture cars, here's a Camo Tumbler used by 'Bane' and his henchmen in The Dark Knight Rises parked outside the cinema to promote the summer blockbuster.

Make sure you also check out this trio of movie costumes from The Dark Knight Rises on display at the cinema too.

So how about that for a trip down memory lane. If you ever frequented the cinema, you now know who the crazy person taking all the photos in the lobby was. Good times.

ArcLight Hollywood you are missed.

10 throwback men's costumes from the world of television previously on display at FIDM Museum Los Angeles...

As I mentioned the other day, at this time of year we're normally treated to a cornucopia of costume delights at the annual Art of Television Costume Design exhibition held at Downtown L.A.'s FIDM Museum. This year it seems that the exhibition may have been postponed by the ongoing writers and actors strikes and the move of the television industry's Emmy Awards ceremony to January 15, 2024. So for those missing TV wardrobes from the past twelve months I thought I've delve into my costume archives from previous FIDM Museum exhibitions for an eclectic assortment of men's outfits from the worlds of fantasy, comic books, science fiction, romance, musicals and drama.

Sukar costume worn by Noah Danby

in Defiance

First up is this outlandish costume worn by Noah Danby as 'Sukar' in the sci-fi western, Defiance. The show takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where seven species of extraterrestrial refuges arrive in Earth orbit to discover humanity already living there, their terraforming technology completely changes the face of the planet leading to new flora and fauna and a drastic new way of life for everyone.

Simonetta Mariano was credited as Costumer Designer on the series at this exhibit in August 2016 and you can also check out more costumes from Defiance on display.

Batman costume worn by David Mazouz

in Gotham

From futuristic sci-fi to the beginnings of 'Batman', and the TV series Gotham tried to tell the origin stories of the caped crime-fighter's rogues' gallery and the history of his allies in law enforcement, eventually leading up to how 'Bruce Wayne' becomes the Dark Knight.

John Glaser and Joshua Quinn were credited as Costume Designers on the show and this Batman costume was exhibited at the museum in August 2019.

Batman fans can also check out all these other Batsuits from the big screen on display.

Doran Martell costume worn by Alexander Siding

in Game of Thrones

In the fifth season of HBO's Game of Thrones Alexander Siddig plays the Cornish Prince 'Doran Martell' and wears this lavish costume.

Michele Clapton was credited as Costume Designer on the medieval fantasy and this costume was exhibited in August 2016.

Fans of the television adaptation of George R. R. Martin's best-selling fantasy novels can also take a closer look at more Game of Thrones costumes on display.

Josh Futturman costume worn by Josh Hutcherson

in Future Man

In Future Man Josh Hutcherson plays a regular janitor who completes his favorite video game, which is considered unbreakable, and is suddenly visited and recruited by two of the game's main characters to help them fight in the Biotic Wars in the future.

This futuristic costume is from the sci-fi comedy's sophomore season and was exhibited in August 2019, with Kathryn Langston Orindgreff was credited as Costume Designer on the series.

Fans of the Hulu series can also check out these other Future Man season two costumes.

Count Olaf costume worn by Neil Patrick Harris

in A Series of Unfortunate Events 

In the sophomore season of the Netflix show adapting Lemony Snickers A Series of Unfortunate Events the action moves to the Caligari Carnival, a creepy circus of freaks, fortune tellers and unique performers, where 'Count Olaf' (played by Neil Patrick Harris) disguises himself as the ringmaster as he pursues the 'Baudelaire' children in order to steal their inheritance.

Cynthia Summers was nominated for an Emmy for her costume designs and these costumes were on display in August 2018.

Fans of the Netflix series can also enjoy these other fantastical costumes from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Jamie Fraser costume by Sam Heughan

in Outlander

In the romantic time-travel drama Outlander, Sam Heughan plays the 18th century Scottish clansman 'Jamie Fraser' who falls for the out-of-time nurse 'Claire Randall'.

This season two costume was photographed on exhibit in August 2016 with Terry Dresbach nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Costumes for a Period/Fantasy Series.

Fans of Starz television adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's best-selling novels can also enjoy these other Outlander costumes on display.

Marcus "Dizzee" Kipling costume worn by Jaden Smith

in The Get Down

Baz Luhrmann's Netflix musical drama, The Get Down, followed a group of teenagers trying to find love, fame and fortune during the rise of hip-hop and disco in the 1970s Bronx. In the series Jaden Smith plays 'Dizzee', a graffiti artist and member of "The Get Down Brothers". 

Jeriana San Juan is credited as Costume Designer on this show and this costume was photographed on display in August 2017.

Pray Tell costume worn by Billy Porter

in Pose

In FX's ballroom scene drama set in 1980s New York City, Pose, Billy Porter plays ball emcee and father figure to the queer community, 'Pray Tell'.

Lou Eyrich and Analucia McGorty are credited as Costume Designers on the series and this costume was captured at the FIDM Museum in August 2019.

Fans of the trailblazing LGBTQ+ drama can slow enjoy these other screen-worn Pose costumes on display.

Archie Andrews costume worn by K. J. Apa

in Riverdale

Inspired by the characters from Archie Comics, Riverdale breathes contemporary new life into red-headed all-American teenager 'Archie Andrews' (played by K. J. Apa) and his friends in their small town filled with dark secrets and mysteries.

This first season costume worn by the actor was photographed in August 2017 and Rebecca Sorensen-Kjelstrup was credited as Costume Designer on the show.

Fans of The CW teen drama can also check out these other Riverdale season one costumes on display.

Rogelio de la Vega costume worn by Jaime Camil

in Jane the Virgin

And finally for this eclectic collection of ten men's costumes from the small screen, here's an outfit worn by Jaime Camil as telenovela star 'Rogelio de la Vega' in the sophomore season of Jane the Virgin, a romantic comedy about a devout 23-year-old named 'Jane' who is accidentally artificially inseminated during a routine checkup at her gynecologist.

This costume designed by Rachel Sage Kunin was exhibited in August 2016, and you can see more Jane the Virgin season two costumes that were on display at the same time.

Hopefully you've enjoyed these TV costumes from years past, hopefully soon we'll get to see more wardrobes from more recent series (although the longer the strikes continue, the more disruption to the entertainment industry and everyone who works in it and around it for the future).

10 throwback women's costumes from the world of television previously on display at FIDM Museum Los Angeles...

Normally at this time of year the public can enjoy the free annual Art of Television Costume Design exhibition at Downtown L.A.'s Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum. This year however it seems the exhibition has been delayed due to the ongoing writer and actors strike, which has also pushed back the Emmy Awards ceremony until January 15, 2024. The exhibit of TV wardrobes is usually a fantastic showcase for the Emmy costume design nominees, so I suspect we may see the exhibition open early next year (when I reached out to museum staff on social media, they appeared to suggest as much). Anyway for those missing the usual costume extravaganza at this time of year, here are some female costumes from past FIDM Museum television exhibits to enjoy.

Brienne of Tarth costume worn by Gwendoline Christie

in Game of Thrones

First up is the armoured look worn by Gwendoline Christie as 'Brienne of Tarth' in HBO's adaptation of George R. R. Martin's medieval fantasy novels, Game of Thrones.

Michele Clapton was credited as Costume Designer on the series when this final season costume was exhibited in August 2019 and won an Emmy for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes.

Fans of the show can also check out more Game of Thrones costumes previously exhibited at the FIDM Museum.

Stahma Tarr costume worn by Jaime Murray

in Defiance

Next is a costume worn by Jaime Murray as 'Stahma Tarr' in the sci-fi series about alien races trying to coexist with humans on Earth in the future, Defiance.

Simonetta Mariano was credited as Costume Designer on this exhibit from August 2016 and you can enjoy more futuristic costumes from Defiance on display.

Countess Elizabeth Johnson costume worn by Lady Gaga

in America Horror Story: Hotel

Lady Gaga starred in the fifth season of FX's horror anthology series, American Horror Story, and wore this luxurious gown as the vampiric 'Countess' living at the Hotel Cortez.

Lou Eyrich won an Emmy for her costume designs this season, so be sure to take a closer look at her AHS: Hotel costumes on display in August 2016.

Catherine the Great costume worn by Elle Fanning

in The Great

Elle Fanning starred as 'Catherine the Great', the infamous Empress of Russia, in Hulu's 18th century historical satire, The Great.

This Emmy-winning garment for Outstanding Period Costumes from the show's sophomore season was designed by Sharon Long and was on display at the FIDM Museum in August 2022.

Lady Mary Crawley costume worn by Michelle Dockery

in Downton Abbey

Fans of period dramas will love this costume worn by Michelle Dockery as 'Lady Mary Crawley' in the worldwide phenomena, Downton Abbey.

Anna Robbins was nominated for an Emmy for her period costume designs and this outfit was showcased in September 2016.

Fans of the show about the aristocratic family and their staff living and working at a Yorkshire stately home can enjoy these other Downton Abbey costumes from the big and small screen.

Susie Myerson costume worn by Alex Borstein

in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Next up is a fun costume worn by Alex Borstein as talent agent 'Susie Myerson' in the second season of Amazon Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She wears this costume for the end of season staff show at the Catskill Mountains resort.

Donna Zakowska won an Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes like this one on display in September 2019.

Fans of the show can see more of her winning and nominated costumes from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Bilquis costume worn by Yetide Badaki

in American Gods

Yetide Badaki wore this outfit as 'Bilquis' the 'Queen of Sheba' in Starz television adaptation of Neil Gaiman's best-selling fantasy novel, American Gods.

On display in August 2017, Suttirat Anne Larlab is credited as Series Costume Designer and you can see more of her work with these other American Gods costumes.

Emperor Philippa Georgiou costume worn by Michelle Yeoh

in Star Trek: Discovery 

Michelle Yeoh wore this elaborate costume as Mirror Universe 'Emperor Philip Georgiou' in the debut season of Star Trek: Discovery.

Gersha Phillips was the Costume Designer on this new iteration of Star Trek initially on the CBS All Access streaming service.

This season one costume was exhibited in August 2018 alongside other Star Trek: Discovery costumes.

Madame Tracy costume worn by Miranda Richardson

in Good Omens

Miranda Richardson played 'Madame Tracy' in Amazon Prime Video's TV adaptation of Terry Prachett and Neil Gaiman's fantasy comedy novel, Good Omens.

Claire Anderson was Emmy-nominated for her costume designs on the series and you can check out more Good Omens costumes on display in August 2019.

Princess Elizabeth wedding gown worn by Claire Foy

in The Crown

And finally for this collection of screen-worn costumes, her's the wedding gown worn by Claire Foy as 'Princess Elizabeth' in the first season of Netflix's historical royal drama, The Crown.

This replica of Norman Hartnell's wedding dress for the future Queen of the United Kingdom was recreated by Emmy-winning Costume Designer Michele Clapton.

Exhibited at the FIDM Museum in August 2017, fans of the historical British drama can check out these other costumes from The Crown.

I first ventured to the FIDM Museum in August 2009 when they didn't allow photography of any kind (well before the influence of social media and smartphones with good cameras) and have visited ever since. Fingers crossed we'll see another Art of Television Costume Design exhibition in 2024.