V&A: Hollywood Costumes

Hollywood’s most iconic costumes will be displayed for the first time at the V&A’s major autumn exhibition

from October 20. From Dorothy’s blue and white gingham pinafore dress from The Wizard of Oz, Scarlett O’Hara’s green ‘curtain’ dress designed by Walter Plunkett for Gone with the Wind, to the ‘little black dress’ designed by Hubert De Givenchy for Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The exhibition, sponsored by jewellery label Harry Winston will explore the central role of costume design in a three-gallery formation from early Charlie Chaplin silent pictures to the motion capture costume designs for Avatar and John Carter.

The showcase will house over 100 of cinema’s most famous looks, including Kate Winslet’s black and white dress by Deborah L. Scott from Titanic, Joan Crawford’s blue gingham waitress uniform in Mildred Pierce, and even Johnny Depp's Pirates of the Caribbean costume.

Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Hollywood costume designer and senior guest curator, said: “This landmark exhibition will provide a once in a life-time opportunity to explore the most beloved characters in Hollywood history and gain insight on the role of the costume designer and their vital contribution to cinema storytelling.”