A Haute Second with Spencer: The 13th “Art of Television Costume Design” Exhibition

Hello friends! Emmys® season is here so you know what that means…We are heading back to The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising for the 13th Annual “Art of Television Costume Design” exhibition.

This year the FIDM Museum is featuring 23 different shows with over 100 costumes present. Ten of this year’s Emmy® nominated costume designers have work represented within the museum. This major exhibition is the only one of its kind, paying homage to the creativity of the many talented costume designers of television.

2019 has been an incredible year for costume design! Let’s take a look at some of the jaw-dropping costumes you too can view at the FIDM museum!

Game of Thrones (Michele Clapton)

It is moments like these where I feel so blessed to have exist on Earth at the same time as Game of Thrones. Behold, the coolest Game of Thrones costumes in existence, right in the center of this exhibit.

There is just so much to talk about here. First, the gown Sansa Stark wore as she was crowned ‘The Queen of the North’. I mean wow, it is just stunning. The armor of Brienne of Tarth is incredible. Cersei Lannister’s velvet red gown is life. I just don’t even have words for how great these costumes are. Michele Clapton is an absolute genius. Regardless of what people say about the ending of Game of Thrones, the costume have and always will be flawless.

Pose (Lou Eyrich & Analucia McGorty)

Pose, one of my favorite shows on television right now has made it’s debut in the FIDM Museum! There is no picture that can do these costumes justice, as they are so stunning. I think my favorite look is the pink gown worn by M.J Rodriguez ? However, the detail in Indya Moore’s look with that fur coat is incredible! There is just so much attention to detail in this group of vibrant, fun costumes. Most importantly, these costumes feel true to the golden age of ballroom that we all love. Truly an exciting moment.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Cynthia Summers)

Going into this exhibit, I was excited to see one particular set of costumes. The costumes from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Cynthia Summers were by far the main attraction in my opinion. Look at the inflatable octopus dress. Look at it! It should be required by law for every human in existence to look at these damn costumes. They are just too good!

When I was a student in elementary school, my friends and I (who were obviously very popular) would sit together during recess and have A Series of Unfortunate Events book club. My favorite character was ALWAYS Esmé Squalor. Esmé was so devious, yet hilarious and fashionable. What is there not to like?

Seeing these costumes in person had me take a moment honestly. Cynthia brought to life one of my favorite characters with the power of costume design. A fictional character that I somehow made a connection with, and yet there she was in front of me. This is why I love costume design. I am so happy for Cynthia and I am really, really cheering for her as we move into the Emmys ® season!

The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel (Donna Zakowska)

I love the costumes from The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel ! These period costumes are spot on with their portrayal of womenswear during the late 1950’s -60’s. The dress in the center with the overlapping colored panels is probably my favorite. On the other hand, I love the costume with the green shorts. These costumes feel like they could have been ripped from the pages of Vogue. Donna Zakowska obviously has researched this time period really well and it shows! So well done.

Sharp Objects (Alix Friedberg)

I am such a fan of Alix Friedberg (who also serves as the costume designer for Big Little Lies). She is a master at creating a look that fully conveys the energy of a character. The costumes for Sharp Objects explain exactly what I am talking about. For example, Amy Adams plays a character who is fighting her own demons while also chasing down a story about two murders. Therefore, she is wearing a sweatshirt look that is very grungy and almost depressing. Meanwhile right next to her, there is a bright, airy sundress worn by Patricia Clarkson’s character. Patricia portrays a wealthy socialite, which makes complete sense looking at these two costumes next to each other. Alix knows exactly how to use the character’s energy to create the perfect costume.

Black-Ish (Michelle R. Cole)

I am obsessed with the costumes from Black-Ish by Michelle R. Cole ! I have not seen the episode that they are from, but obviously there was a sort of Prince tribute and it’s so good! These costumes are very fun, yet still very original. The costume designer was able to take something so legendary such as Prince’s wardrobe, and bring a grand level of originality. Congrats Michelle!

I know I say this every time, but I think this was the best costume exhibit that has ever happened at The FIDM Museum. It does get better though, because I only showed you six of the twenty three different television shows featured within the exhibit. So, you are going to have to go check it out for yourself to discover what else lies within the exhibit.

This exhibition is free to the public and is open Tuesday, August 20th – Saturday, October 26th, 2019. Visitors’ hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Located on the campus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, FIDM. The museum is at 9th Street and Grand Avenue.

Don’t forget to tag your pictures with #WERRRK so we can see all of your beautiful photos! I hope you all have as much fun as I did. I’ll see you at the Emmy’s red carpet, taking place Saturday, September 14, 2019.

Follow this link for more information on the FIDM Museum & Galleries