Screen-worn Stars and Stripes costumes to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary...

Happy Fourth of July. To pay homage to America's 250th Anniversary I thought I'd search through my costume archives to find some looks inspired by the Stars and Stripes flag. Here are six star-spangled outfits from the big and small screen through the ages.

Sam Wilson Captain America: Brave New World movie costume

First up is the patriotic flight suit worn by Anthony Mackie as 'Sam Wilson' in 2025's Captain America: Brave New World movie and 2021's Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and was photographed at Hollywood's infamous El Capitan Theatre in February 2025.

The high-flying Avenger inherited the shield and uniform when his friend 'Steve Rogers' returned to the past and will next be seen leading a new super team in Avengers: Doomsday.

Steve Rogers Avengers: Endgame movie costumes

Next up are the various star-spangled Captain America uniforms worn by Chris Evans as the time-displaced Steve Rogers in Marvel Studios Avengers movie franchise.

This trio of heroic costumes were captured temporarily on display at the FIDM Museum in Downtown L.A. in February 2020.

John Walker U.S. Agent Thunderbolts movie costume

The third look is the 'U.S. Agent' costume worn by Wyatt Russell as 'John Walker', the disgraced new Captain America from the MCU's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series.

The actor sported this darker Stars and Stripes uniform in the Thunderbolts movie and it was photographed at the El Capitan Theatre in May 2025.

America Chavez movie costume

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Next is the outfit worn by Xochitl Gomez as the multiverse-hopping 'America Chavez' in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and it was photographed at the El Capitan Theatre in May during the film's theatrical release.

This MCU heroine lives up to her name by sporting this customized patriotic denim jacket, and even the portals she can create to travel to alternate realities are star-shaped.

Lynda Carter's 1970s TV Wonder Woman costume

The next patriotic look is the iconic 'Wonder Woman' costume worn by Lynda Carter in the DC Comics television series that ran from 1975 to 1979.

This classic superheroine costume was captured on display at the Warner Bros. Studios Backlot Tour Museum in June 2016.

Liberty Belle costume from TV's GLOW

And finally, the last red, white and blue costume is worn by Betty Gilpin as her alter-ego, 'Liberty Belle', in Netflix's 1980s-set wrestling dramedy, GLOW (Gorgeous Women of Wrestling).

This screen-worn costume and more were photographed temporarily on display at the FIDM Museum in August 2018.

Now let the hotdogs grill and the fireworks fly!

The weird and wonderful world of Doctor Who...

With the devastating news that we won't be getting any resolution to the latest Doctor Who cliffhanger when Ncuti Gatwa's 'Doctor' seemingly regenerated into the Time Lord's old companion 'Rose Tyler' (played with glee by Billie Piper) I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane and revisit the times I visited the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay, Wales. Whenever I travelled back to see my Welsh family I'd always find the time to check out the latest screen-used costumes, props and set pieces from the iconic BBC show on display at the Doctor Who exhibition and I'd thought that my photos from that time had been lost when my old laptop died and I discovered I hadn't backed up the images. To my surprise (and delight) I was able to power up that laptop the other day and retrieve the missing files, so I thought I'd share an eclectic selection of photos from classic and revival era episodes.

First up is a trio of Doctor costumes and accompanying TARDIS for each from the 50th anniversary Doctor Who special, which saw Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor team up with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor and uncover the secret of John Hurt's 'War Doctor'.

The special also featured the metamorphic Zygon aliens, so make sure you take a closer look at all these costumes and more from The Day of the Doctor.

One of the many cool things that I got to see at this ever-changing Doctor Who Experience were TARDIS interior consoles and set design. This particular retro console was featured for the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Doctors during the Eighties, which was when I grew up watching the sci-fi series.

The exhibition also featured this uncanny Matt Smith waxwork and on this occasion it was dressed in the Doctor's purple Victorian frock coat with fur collar from the 2012 Christmas special, The Snowmen.

The costume beside him is one of Jenna Coleman's 'Clara Oswald' outfits from the show.

Back in the old days the Doctor Who sets and costumes maybe have been a bit wobbly and held together with sticky back plastic, but the villains were always iconic, no more so than 'Davros', the creator of the Daleks. I used to have nightmares about him and the metal killing machines, so be sure to take a look at all these various Generations of the Daleks.

Another formative night terror came in the form of the Cybermen. Alas, poor 'Adric'. The death of the Fourth and Fifth Doctor's Companion really haunted me.

This particular Cyberman and Cyber Conversion Unit are the upgraded versions from the TV revival era, but be sure to also check out other Cybermen designs through the ages. 

The revival era not only brought back classic monsters and aliens like the Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans and more, but they also introduced new and deadly fan-favourite foes like the statue-like Weeping Angels.

Another instantly classic new race of aliens introduced in the new era were the Ood. These scary-looking squid-like aliens share a telepathic hive mind, communicate through an orb-shaped translation device, and were first introduced enslaved by humanity in the 2006 episode, The Impossible Planet.

Another great looking creature introduced in Russell T. Davies revival era was the 'Face of Boe'. This over-sized head with tentacles is an old friend of the Doctor's and in the Last of the Time Lords episode is revealed to be what the immortal 'Captain Jack Harkness' has evolved into in the future.

The reptilian Silurians were also given a makeover in the new era of Doctor Who, like military commander 'Restac' in The Hungry Earth/Cold War two-parter.

The actress under that scaly prosthetic makeup, Neve McIntosh, later went on to play the Victorian-era Silurian lesbian detective, 'Madame Vastra'.

The Doctor and his Companions adventures in time and space also brought him into the path of The Silence in the opening episodes of the sixth season.

These eerie, tall, long-fingered suited aliens with their almost The Scream painting homage faces were a great addition to the Doctor's pantheon of foes.

Christmas specials were also a brilliant strategy for the success of the new era, making the show must-see holiday viewing millions of festive households.

This cryogenic storage chamber and Wood Queen and King props are from 2011's playfully-titled The Doctor, the Widow and The Wardrobe.

Like most classic foes, the Ice Warriors also received an upgraded look for a new generation of viewers.

Be sure to compare this 'Grand Marshal Skaldac' suit from 2013's Cold War episode with Martian Ice Warrior from the 1960s.

And totally letting nostalgia get the best of me here, the Doctor's robotic dog 'K-9' was one of my favourite characters when I was watching when I was younger. I mean what kid wouldn't want a loyal robot dog who fired laser beams?!?

And finally for this collection of photos from my visits in May and December 2013, here's the Third Doctor's canary yellow vintage roadster, 'Bessie', that Jon Pertwee drove when he hung out with UNIT (known at the time as the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce) as their scientific advisor.

I hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane with all these costumes and props. Let's hope we won't have to wait years into the future before we see Doctor Who back on the small screen.

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!

Ryan Gosling's I'm Just Ken custom pink Gucci suit from the 96th Oscars on display...

To help celebrate Ryan Gosling's birthday I thought I'd share a look at something I saw on my recent visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, it may not be his birthday suit but it is the special custom-made pink bedazzled Gucci suit he wore for his performance of "I'm Just Ken" from 2023's Barbie movie at the 96th Oscars awards ceremony in March 2024. Ryan's suit brought the "Kenergy" and was styled by Mark Avery and inspired by Marilyn Monroe's hot pink dress designed by William "Billy" Travilla for 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

"I'm Just Ken" suit worn by Ryan Gosling

at the 96th Academy Awards

Ryan Gosling's suit was captured on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 13, 2025. His pink Gucci wool suit adorned with hand embroidered twinkling crystal drops comes with matching custom pink leather gloves, Gucci shades and glossy black shoes, the look is certainly "Kenough".

Fans of the movie in which he played "Ken" and was Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor can also enjoy these Oscar-nominated Barbie costume designs by Jacqueline Durran on display.

Ryan Gosling admirers can also check out his La La Land movie costumes, his First Man movie costumes, his Gangster Squad film costume and his screen-worn costume from The Place Beyond The Pines on display.

Barbie movie billboard

10 screen-worn costumes cool for the summer...

With costume exhibits scarce in Los Angeles of late and a house remodel preventing me attending recent conventions, I thought I'd reminisce through my wardrobe department archives and shine a spotlight on some screen-worn looks for the summer (especially as temperature are in excess of 105° here in scorching Palm Springs). Here's a collection of cool of summery costumes from the big and small screen.

Miriam "Midge" Maisel costume worn by Rachel Brosnahan

in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

First up is one of Rachel Brosnahan's 'Midge Maisel' costumes from the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel from her time holidaying in the Catskills with her family.

Donna Zakowska was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Period Costumes for this sophomore season of the Amazon Prime Video series.

Moondog costume worn by Matthew McConaughey

in The Beach Bum

Next up is one of the "cool dude" costumes worn by Matthew McConaughey as 'Moondog' in the stoner comedy, The Beach Bum.  

Heidi Givens was Costume Designer on the movie from 2019 directed by Harmony Korine.

Mary Poppins costume worn by Emily Blunt

in Mary Poppins Returns

In 2018 Emily Blunt brought 'Mary Poppins' back to the big screen and was off to the races in this Royal Doulton Bowl costume.

Sandy Powell was Oscar-nominated for her costume designs on this family-friendly musical movie sequel. 

Screen-worn La La Land movie costumes 

These summer party dresses were worn by Emma Stone, Callie Hernandez and Sonoya Mizuno in director Damian Chazelle's 2016 romantic musical, La La Land.

Mary Zophres was the Oscar-nominated Costume Designer on the modern day musical.

Shelley costume worn by Gemma Chan

in Don't Worry Darling

Gemma Chan wore this resort wear dress as 'Shelley' in the 2022 psychological thriller, Don't Worry Darling.

In the film directed by Olivia Wilde, she plays the housewife of the enigmatic leader of a 1950s fictional desert town named Victory (filmed around the corner from me here in Palm Springs).

Arianne Phillips was the Costume Designer on this retro-styled movie with a twist.

Celia Foote costume worn by Jessica Chastain

in The Help

Jessica Chastain was keeping cool in the summer heat down in Jackson, Mississippi as ostracized housewife 'Celia Rae Foote' in 2011's The Help movie adaptation.

Sharen Davis was Costume Designer on this film set in America's Deep South in the 1960s.

Billie Jean King costume worn by Emma Stone

in Battle of the Sexes

Summer is a time for playing tennis (or is everyone switching to pickleball these days?), so here's the sporty look Emma Stone wore as tennis legend Billie Jean King in the 2017 biopic, Battle of the Sexes.

Mary Zophres was Costume Designer on the film set in the 1970s which recounts the true story of the televised tennis match between world number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and misogynistic self promoter, Bobby Riggs.

Venetia Catton costume worn by Alison Oliver

in Saltburn

In director Emerald Fennell's dark comedy thriller, Saltburn, Alison Oliver wore this sexy summer dress as the aristocratic party girl 'Venetia Catton' for a Midsummer Night's Dream Party.

Sophie Canale was Costume Designer on the 2023 movie primarily set at wealthy and eccentric English family's country house called Saltburn.

Emily Cooper costume worn by Lily Collins

in Emily in Paris

In the sophomore season of Netflix's romantic comedy series, Emily in Paris, Lily Collins was looking chic for the summer in this red heart adorned outfit.

Marilyn Fitoussi was Costume Designer on the show set in one of the world's fashion capitals, Paris, France.

Ken costume worn by Ryan Gosling

in Barbie

In director Greta Gerwig's box office smash of summer 2023, Barbie, Ryan Gosling plays the titular iconic doll's wannabe boyfriend 'Ken' and his job is "beach".

Costume Designer Jacqueline Durran was nominated for an Academy Award for her designs on the movie.

I hope you've enjoyed this little trip down memory lane and let's hope that more new costume exhibits are on the horizon.

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.