AMERICAN HUSTLE Costumes Set for Hollywood Costume Exhibition

Never before seen outside the movie studio, Rosalyn Rosenfield's (Jennifer Lawrence) shimmering white dress and Irving Rosenfield's (Christian Bale) velvet suit, both designed by Oscar-nominated Michael Wilkinson for "American Hustle," are set to open the international Hollywood Costume exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum, March 26.

Curated by eminent costume designer and historian Dr. Deborah Nadoolman Landis, the show features more than 100 of Hollywood's most iconic costumes including Dorothy's (Judy Garland) blue-and-white gingham pinafore from "The Wizard of Oz," Indiana Jones' (Harrison Ford) leather jacket from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and Marilyn Monroe's billowing white dress from "The Seven Year Itch." Much more than a display of costumes, the exhibit combines multimedia elements including interviews with actors, costume designers, and filmmakers, animation and clip montages, to fully explore the role that costume design plays in cinema storytelling and the contribution that costume designers make to every production.

Another new addition to the already expansive collection is Darth Vader's (David Prowse) menacing black suit and cape from "Star Wars," designed by John Mollo. The rarely seen costume appeared in the London debut of Hollywood Costume, but has not yet been seen as part of the exhibition in the United States. Darth Vader is paired in the show with "Ming the Merciless" (Charles Middleton) from the 1930's "Flash Gordon" serials and together, they represent the two evil rulers of the universe.

Phoenix Art Museum is the final scheduled stop and one of only two U.S. museums to host the V&A exhibit. Once the show closes July 6, costumes will be returned to studio archives and an international array of private collectors, making it the last opportunity to see one of the largest collections of Hollywood costumes ever assembled. Five years in the making, Hollywood Costume is the greatest exhibition on the collaborative art of filmmaking ever mounted.

Hollywood Costume at Phoenix Art Museum is a ticketed event and is anticipated to sell out. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance: phxart.org/hollywoodtickets

Notable Costume Details

Rosalyn Rosenfield's (Jennifer Lawrence) shimmering white dress

• Designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson
• Lawrence won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar for her performance
• Appeared in David O. Russell's "American Hustle," 2013

Irving Rosenfield's (Christian Bale) velvet suit

• Velvet suit designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson
• Worn by Golden Globe and Oscar nominee Christian Bale
• Appeared in David O. Russell's "American Hustle," 2013

From a private collection, the Darth Vader helmet, mask, quilted leather suit, cape, boots and gloves that helped shape David Prowse's character as one of the most ominous villains to ever appear on the silver screen will also be displayed.

• Designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Mollo
• Helmet was custom-molded for actor David Prowse
• Appeared in George Lucas' "Star Wars," 1977 and "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back," 1980

Dennita Sewell, Curator of Fashion Design, Phoenix Art Museum

"Costumes serve as the visual representation of character evolution and, at times, are a very direct depiction of the role a character serves in plot development. 'American Hustle' and 'Star Wars' represent an ideal juxtaposition between these two purposes; Rosalyn Rosenfield's dress subtly signals a shift in the character's demeanor, whereas Darth Vader's suit establishes his intimidating persona from the moment he appears on screen."

"For more than 50 years, Phoenix Art Museum has been dedicated to bringing art, in all forms, to life. Hollywood Costume embodies this mission, offering film and fashion aficionados alike an unparalleled experience - the ability to interact with pieces from movies that have defined generations."

About Hollywood Costume at Phoenix Art Museum

Hollywood Costume at Phoenix Art Museum has been made possible through the generous support of title sponsors Molina Fine Jewelers, Black, Starr & Frost, J.P. Morgan, and Chase. Major sponsors include APS, Arizona Costume Institute, Joan Cremin, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Exhibition Endowment Fund, and The Virginia M. Ullman Foundation. Additional support provided by Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation, Sharon and Delbert R. Lewis Exhibition Endowment Fund and The Ruddock Family Trust. Media sponsors include The Arizona Republic, The Phoenician and Starwood Properties.

Hollywood Costume is on view March 26 - July 6, 2014. The exhibition will be on view Tuesday, Noon - 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Noon - 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, Noon - 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This specially ticketed exhibition is offered at an admission price of $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-17, which includes general admission to the Museum. Children under 6 are admitted free.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 50 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. Critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions are shown alongside the Museum's collection of more than 17,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. Visitors also enjoy vibrant photography exhibitions through the Museum's landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona.

To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit PhxArt.org, or call the 24-hour recorded information line at (602) 257-1222.

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