Celebrate PRIDE Month with these LGBTQ costumes from the big and small screen on display...

Visibility and representation matters, and in this day and age when people are trying to eliminate DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), challenge hard-fought rights, brand our content unsafe to watch and eradicate trans people, it matters even more. For this PRIDE Month I thought I'd share some screen-used costumes from LGBTQ movies and television shows that celebrate gay, lesbian and transgender icons and queer stories.

Elton John costumes from Rocketman

First up are these movie costumes from 2019's Elton John biopic, Rocketman, which starred Taron Egerton as the out and proud music legend.

Fans of the British singer, songwriter, pianist and HIV/AIDS activist can also enjoy these other Rocketman film costumes previously temporarily on display the Downtown LA's FIDM Museum.

Billie Jean King film costume

from Battle of the Sexes

Next up is another LGBTQ icon, this time from the world of sports, tennis champ Billie Jean King's costume from the 2017 movie, Battle of the Sexes.

Emma Stone played the lesbian tennis legend and trailblazer in this retelling of the 1973 tennis match between her and male ex-champ Bobby Riggs.

You can also check out more sporty costumes from Battle of the Sexes previously on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema and the FIDM Museum.

Carol film costume exhibit

For more lesbian fare, here's a cool costume exhibit at the ArcLight Hollywood for the 2015 historical romantic drama, Carol, which starred Cate Blanchett as the titular character and Rooney Mara as her lover, based on Patricia Highsmith's 1952 novel, The Price of Salt.

Be sure to get a closer look at these Carol film costumes designed by Sandy Powell on display.

Milk movie costume exhibit

Having just celebrated Harvey Milk Day on May 22, I'd be remiss not to share these screen-worn costumes from the 2008 biopic, Milk, the story of the murdered proud activist and first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.

This important and symbolic victory for the LGBT community was marred by his assassination, but his legacy and inspiration lives on.

The acclaimed film won two Oscars, Best Actor for Sean Penn for his portrayal as the gay pioneer and the other of gay writer Dustin Lance Black for Best Original Screenplay.

Be sure to check out more Milk movie costumes and props on display, in addition to these on display at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Phastos film costume from Eternals

In 2021 Brian Tyree Henry played the MCU's first openly gay superhero as 'Phastos' in Marvel Studios Eternals movie.

Not only did the genius wield the cosmic powers of technopathy and invention, but he was shown in a committed gay relationship raising a child together.

Be sure to check out more screen-worn costumes from Eternals on display at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre.

King Valkyrie film costume

from Thor: Love and Thunder

Even though Phastos was depicted as openly gay on the big screen, Tessa Thompson's bisexual 'Valkyrie' actually made her debut in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok, reprising her powerful role in subsequent Avengers and Thor movies.

If you're a fan of the MCU character make sure you check out her other Valkyrie film costumes on display.

The Danish Girl movie costume exhibit

I know that some people criticize early LGBT films and TV shows for not casting transgender actors in trans roles, but it's true to say such films as 2015's The Danish Girl paved the way for more authentic casting on the big and small screen (and helped inform my education, exploration and understanding of the trans community).

Eddie Redmayne was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal as 'Lili Elbe', one of the first transgender women to undergo sex reassignment surgery in the 1920s.

You can also check to more costumes designed by Paco Delgado for The Danish Girl on display.

Transparent TV costume exhibit

Amazon Prime's critically-acclaimed Transparent, although flawed, also brought the trans experience into the mainstream when it started in February 2014.

The comedy-drama starred Jeffrey Tambor (a cisgender man later to be accused of sexual harassment on set) as a trans woman called 'Maura' and revolved around the self-absorbed Los Angeles family, the 'Pfeffermans', and their reactions and lives after learning the truth about their parent and husband.

These screen-used costumes from the TV series were Emmy-nominated for the sophomore season of Transparent.

Pose TV costume exhibit

Another trailblazing television show that enjoyed great cultural success and acclaim was FX's 1980s New York City queer ball culture drama, Pose.

The ball culture scene with its 'Houses' and 'House Mothers' boasted the most transgender and gay cast members on a primetime drama (including Dominque Jackson, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Indya Moore,  Hailie Sahar, Angelica Ross and Billy Porter), plus a diverse writing, production and directing staff behind the scenes.

Pose's costumes were also Emmy-nominated for its debut season, so be sure to enjoy more of them on display at the FIDM Museum in 2019.

RuPaul's Drag Race TV costumes

And finally for this collection of LGBT wardrobes, how could I not shine a light on undoubtably the most famous drag queen of all time, RuPaul.

RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on LGBT cable channel Logo in February 2009 and has since spawned eighteen seasons of the reality competition series, plus an All Stars format and other country spin-offs, helping to make drag a part of mainstream culture and propel many Drag Race contestants to global superstardom, including Trixie Mattel, Jinkx Monsoon, Diana Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Alyssa Edwards and many, many more.

This trio of main stage judging gowns were worn by RuPaul and were captured on display at the Drag Race Hollywood pop-up store in 2017.

Fans of Mama Ru and the iconic show can also check out more RuPaul's Drag Race gowns on display in West Hollywood storefront windows and at the FIDM Museum.

This PRIDE season be sure to be safe, loud and proud. Make sure you support political candidates that champion LGBTQ equality and rights, and stop buying from companies and brands and visiting countries that throw our community under the bus to curry favour from fascist regimes.

HAPPY PRIDE!

Maestro movie costumes worn by Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper on display...

In the 2023 Netflix biographical romantic drama, Maestro, Bradley Cooper directs himself as legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan as his American actress wife, Felicia Montealegre. The film follows their relationship and family through the years, including his affairs with men, and his career from conducting the New York Philharmonic, to composing the popular Broadway musicals, Candide and West Side Story, to the death of Felicia from breast cancer in Leonard's arms in 1978.

Felicia Montealegre costume worn by Carey Mulligan

and Leonard Bernstein costume worn by Bradley Cooper

in Maestro

This duo of costumes from the movie directed by Bradley Cooper were photographed on display at the ASU FIDM Museum in Downtown L.A. on March 5, 2024.

Mark Bridges is Costume Designer on the biopic which spanned the decades from the 1940s to 1980s along with Assistant Costume Designer Alana Roecker Katt, Kristen Kopp, Natalie Turturro Mettouchi and Gali Noy, with Kate Edwards and Kevin Ritter Costume Supervisors.

For more costume designs by Mark Bridges, be sure to enjoy a closer look at these Joker movie costumes and these Phantom Thread movie costumes (both earned him an Oscar), these Licorice Pizza movie costumes and this Greenberg movie costume.

Maestro movie billboard

10 screen-worn costumes to keep you warm these cold winter months...

With the nights drawing in and temperatures plunging as we rush headfirst into the Holidays I thought it would be fun to share a collection of screen-used cosy costumes from the big and small screen to warm your heart. Enjoy this eclectic collection of warming wardrobe treasures from the worlds of fantasy, biopics, westerns, period drama and more.

Jon Snow costume worn by Kit Harington

in Game of Thrones

First up is Kit Harington's 'Jon Snow' costume from the seventh season of television's epic fantasy drama, Game of Thrones.

Michele Clapton was the Emmy-winning Costume Designer on the series, so as "winter is coming", be sure to check out more Game of Thrones costumes on display.

Hugh Glass costume worn by Leonardo DiCaprio

in The Revenant

Next up is Leonardo DiCaprio's 'Hugh Glass' costume from 2015's Frontier revenge drama, The Revenant.

Jacqueline West was Oscar-nominated for her Costume Design on this movie, so be sure to check out more screen-used costumes from The Revenant.

Elton John costume worn by Taron Egerton

in Rocketman

This pimp fur coat looks like it kept Taron Egerton snug as 'Elton John' in the 2019 movie biopic, Rocketman.

Julian Day is Costume Designer on the movie charting Elton John's early life and iconic music career, so be sure to check out more Rocketman film costumes on display.

Carol Aird costume worn by Cate Blanchett

in Carol

Cate Blanchett was looking luxurious in her fur coat for her period lesbian love story, Carol, based on Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt novel.

Sandy Powell was Oscar-nominated for her designs on this 2015 movie, so be sure to check out more Carol movie costumes.

Princess Margaret costume worn by Vanessa Kirby

in The Crown

Vanessa Kirby's 'Princess Margaret' was keeping warm in her day coat to combat the inclement British weather in Netflix's historical royal drama, The Crown.

Jane Petrie is Costume Designer on the sophomore season, so be if you're a fan of the regal drama take a closer look at these costumes from The Crown on display.

Daisy Domergue costume worn by Jennifer Jason Leigh

in The Hateful Eight

Jennifer Jason Leigh was wrapped up warm to survive the snowy wilds of post-Civil War Wyoming as 'Daisy Domergue' in Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight.

Courtney Hoffman is Costume Designer on the 2015 mystery Western and you can take a closer look at more of her costume designs from The Hateful Eight on display.

Cruella de Vil costume worn by Glenn Close

in 101 Dalmatians

Glenn Close brought the fur-loving fashionista and Disney villain, 'Cruella de Vil', to life in the 1996 live-action version of 101 Dalmatians. Zebra print is so on trend.

Anthony Powell is Costume Designer for the Disney movie and fans of the character can also enjoy all these other screen-worn Cruella de Vil costumes.

Maleficent costume worn by Angelina Jolie

in Maleficent

And speaking of Disney villains, 2014's live-action Maleficent reimagined the dark fairy from Sleeping Beauty with a horned Angelina Jolie enveloped in this fur-trimmed cloak in the movie.

Anna B. Sheppard was Oscar-nominated for her costume designs on the fantasy fairytale, so be sure to check out more Maleficent movie costumes on display.

Mary Poppins costume worn by Emily Blunt

in Mary Poppins Returns

Emily Blunt was looking prim, proper and prepared for the British weather in 2018's Mary Poppins big screen musical sequel.

Sandy Powell was Oscar-nominated for her fun and magical costume designs on Mary Poppins Returns.

Noelle Kringle costume worn by Anna Kendrick

in Noelle

Anna Kendrick was full on festive in her 'Noelle Kringle' costume from the Disney+ Christmas movie. Her fur-trimmed coat, hat and mittens were designed to keep her warm living at the North Pole as one of the children of Santa Claus.

Gary Jones is the Costume Designer on the 2019 movie, and if you like this festive outfit make sure you check out these other Noelle film costumes that would "sleigh" on the runway.

And if you want more screen-worn costumes to get you in the holiday spirit and keep your chestnuts roasting, check out these other festive movie costumes from cinema and TV on display.

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).

Screen-worn Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie costumes on display...

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Stephen Strange' must protect a powerful young woman named 'America Chavez', who has the ability to traverse dimensions, from Elizabeth Olsen's crazed 'Wanda Maximoff' aka the 'Scarlet Witch', who wants the girl to help reunite her with the sons she conjured and lost in the WandaVision television series. The Darkhold, a deadly book of spells of the elder god 'Chthon', has twisted the former Avenger's mind and motivations and Doctor Strange must use all his arcane knowledge to heal or stop her.

Scarlet Witch costume worn by Elizabeth Olsen,

Doctor Strange costume worn by Benedict Cumberbatch

and America Chavez costume worn by Xochitl Gomez

in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

This trio of costumes from the MCU sequel were photographed on display at Downtown L.A.'s FIDM Museum on March 7, 2023.

Graham Churchyard is Costume Designer on director Sam Raimi's Marvel Studios directorial debut.

Fans of the movie can also enjoy a closer look at Benedict Wong's costume, Rachel McAdams Christine Palmer costume and Chiwetel Ejiofor's Baron Mordo costume from the film on display at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre.

Plus MCU fans can also enjoy these Doctor Strange movie costumes previously on display at the FIDM Museum back 2017.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie poster