Hollywood Costume: The art of film costuming

Last weekend I got to meet Marilyn Monroe’s dress.

It was (and will be through this weekend) at the Phoenix Art Museum, along with 100 other costumes from both recent and classic films.

Fun fact: The last time I was there was for Arts & Flowers. While I was waiting for Phillip (and getting lost on the second floor), he stopped in the lobby to talk to Phoenix Comicon volunteers. Which inspired us to go to the Con, where we stopped to talk to Phoenix Art Museum volunteers, snapped a photobooth pic for their Hollywood Costume Instagram contest, won it, and found ourselves in the Museum lobby again, thus completing the circle.

It was our destiny.

Officially, we’d won an Audrey+Marilyn grab bag. But when the Museum heard we hadn’t made it to the exhibition yet, they made tickets part of our prize. Super nice, right?!

This time we didn’t even get lost. The Hollywood Costume exhibit is on the first floor with a giant marquee.

You pass the velvet ropes and ticket taker (also a no photos sign). Before entering the main exhibit, you pause in a room with a large screen showing the most famous clips for the most well-known costumes inside. It’s like a sneak peek.

Inside, there’s exhibit information projected onto glass, teleprompter style. Costumes are clustered together based on themes. We snaked around the edges of these costume islands with the rest of the visitors, lines forming at points where people were lingering longer. In front of each costume is a stand with what looks like a script page that gives details on the costume and sometimes additional backstory. Woven throughout the exhibit, there are video interviews of actors and costume designers talking about what goes on behind the scenes, as well as animated projected images that explain the process.

We learned that costumes for movies have a lot to do: they need to be true to the time and the character, fit with the film’s artistic vision, and be practical for the actor to actually play their role in – whether they’re running or dancing or just wearing it during long days of shooting a scene.

I loved checking out the details of the costumes – the way the light shines on different fabrics, beaded gowns that must’ve weighed a ton, “dirt” and frayed edges added to make clothing look worn. Meryl Streep’s Mamma Mia! costume was made to sparkle. Darth Vader’s costume had more layers than we realized and buttons that reminded me of ’80s electronics (which, I guess, makes sense).

It’s always a little surreal to come face-to-face with something (or someone) that has previously only existed for you on a screen.

We spent awhile checking out Indiana Jones’s Raiders of the Lost Ark costume and the video that explained how the different components were designed, sourced, and adapted. You could see the individual distress marks in his signature leather jacket.

There was a whole section devoted to Elizabethan period costumes. One dress was hand-embroidered to match a painting exactly, while another costume designer felt it was more important that the clothing convey the right message to a modern audience than to be historically accurate in every detail. We also spotted two dresses used in films about Queen Elizabeth that expressed two very different takes on the same historical portrait.

The exhibit ends with two iconic dresses – the sexy halter back Marilyn Monroe wore in Seven Year Itch and the innocent blue gingham Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz. Both are behind glass, unlike the rest of the exhibit. You walk out to a “The End” montage and find yourself back in the real world – or, at least, a museum corridor.

We perused the gift shop and wandered through a few galleries. Then we decided there’s no place like home, so we headed that way.

If you get a chance to see the Hollywood Costume exhibit, do it!

Here’s what you need to know.

Hollywood Costume at Phoenix Art Museum

This Sunday (July 6) is the last day the exhibition will be in Phoenix.
You need both Museum admission + a Hollywood Costume ticket to see it.
Tomorrow (July 4) is First Friday, so Museum admission is free and Hollywood Costume admission is discounted. It’s also Independence Day, but it would be a nice, air-conditioned thing to do before it’s dark enough for fireworks.
No photos are allowed in the exhibit.
The exhibition is touring from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. ~~I don’t know where it goes next.~~ [Update below.]
Visit phxart.org for exhibition details, including a list of all the costumes on display (PDF).
Have fun!

UPDATE: The next and final stop for Hollywood Costume will be the historic Wilshire May Company building in Los Angeles from October 2, 2014 through March 2, 2015. It will be presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

June 14, 2014May 28, 2019

June is not the end of the world

Yeah, I get it. Summer in Phoenix is hot. But I think we Phoenicians sometimes give up too early on the great outdoors.

Even in mid-June, the temperatures often still drop at night. And that makes everything so much more bearable. You can still get out early or late in the day to take a walk or sit in the shade. We still get an occasional coolish day. (After it’s been 108, 93 seems quite lovely!)

Just getting away from the city can lower the temp by 10 degrees or so – you don’t have to go far, just away from all that concrete.

There comes a point in the year where it never cools down. It’s how we pay for our gorgeous non-summer days. We get our version of cabin fever, and it gets a bit depressing.

But June can still surprise you.

June 7, 2014June 8, 2014

What do you take to a con?

I was thinking about how you prepare to be at a convention or conference all day. You want to be ready for the long day ahead, but you don’t want to schlep around more than you need.

While I was waiting for a session to start at Phoenix Comicon, I popped open my bag and took a photo. Here’s what was in there:

Water – If it’s not provided, I bring water. If the con is in Arizona, you should bring water either way.

Snacks (not pictured – they were in the front pocket) – When you (I) get hungry and cranky, no one wins.

Sweater – Surprisingly necessary in oft over air conditioned conference rooms, even when it’s 110 degrees outside.

Charger(s) – I generally bring chargers for any electronic devices I have with me. Jonathan Simon had a great idea (which I included in my Phoenix Comicon guide) about bringing a portable power strip, since there are often more hungry phones around than outlets (especially late in the day.)

Glasses case and sunnies – Escaping to the outside world during the day can be nice.

Small notebook and pen – Sometimes it’s just quicker and easier. And super handy if you want to make notes without draining your phone battery (or if it’s already too late).

Purse – I was in a rush, so I just threw the whole thing in – wallet, makeup, tissues, business cards, and whatever other randomness I had in there. But, usually, I’ll pare it down quite a bit.

Flyers – Those just tend to accumulate throughout the day, don’t they?

What’s in your bag when you’re at a convention or conference?

June 1, 2014June 3, 2014

Year One

Today Travelcraft Journal turns one! I pubished the first post one year ago today. I was excited about finding and sharing ways to be creative and explore the world around us – even in the midst of real life busyness and constraints. I didn’t know where this little blog project would go, but I felt optimistic. A year later, I am thrilled and grateful at where the journey has already taken me and still excited about what’s next.

Over the past year, I gave you some tips on packing, booking flights, and airfare refunds. I shared some of my adventures with you, like Colorado road tripping, introducing our Chinese friends to camping, a whirlwind(y) tour of Chicago, sneaking into Arcosanti – despite tales of angry naked hippies – and living to return for breakfast another day.

Closer to home, we explored the Phoenix area – taking side streets, checking out a travel expo, hiking South Mountain and looking for the last spring wildflowers, reluctantly enjoying brunch, seeing festive lights and maybe wolves at Glendale Glitters, getting lost in a museum full of Arts & Flowers, and, of course, the time we started out on a new hike and I ended the evening exiting the restroom to roaring applause. (Just one of many proud moments this year.)

I also shared some things I made – a paper bag journal, upcycled gift tags, flowers pressed while traveling, super sangria, a desk fort, Peruvian bean chili, and mini envelopes. I presented on DIY gift bags at Craft Hack and travel journals at Southwest Maker Fest. But I always encouraged you to stop the DIY guilt. Make what makes you happy and don’t let anyone tell you to do more or less than that.

Only a few weeks after starting the site, I decided to go to Chicago for the BlogHer Annual Conference. I learned a ton about blogging and book publishing and met so many amazing people, including randomly bumping into one of the founders – twice. In between those two meetings, I had the idea that a session on blog design might be helpful to a lot of people, so I suggested it to her. That topic idea morphed into a mobile design talk at BlogHer Pro that fall. I’ll be speaking again when I return to the annual conference this July.

In the meantime, I talked to a friend about my idea for writing travel books and realized I needed to hone my voice and idea before pursuing it. But it’s still something I plan to do.

After seeing a panel at BlogHer that included the founder of Brit + Co., I started following the creative living site on Twitter. When they tweeted that they were looking for freelance contributors, I submitted an application and began this process that ended up stretching out about two months. Finally, I was accepted as part of the contributor team, and I continue to write for them on food, tech, and DIY topics.

Recently, I launched a newsletter with Travelcraft Journal highlights and free goodies. We were granted our first media pass for Phoenix Comicon. (I know I acted in my last post like it wasn’t a big deal. But I’m actually really proud of it.)

And now here were are, celebrating Year One! Wanna join the party? Enjoy a favorite treat in a favorite place and post a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #tcjturns1. (Or post it elsewhere and link to it in the comments.) If you message me your address, I’ll send you a nifty Travelcraft Journal sticker. Consider it a party favor and a thank you for being part of this community, because, really, you guys rock!

May 30, 2014February 7, 2019

A Newbie’s Guide to Conquering Phoenix Comicon

When Phillip first suggested we cover Phoenix Comicon, I wasn’t sure how well that would fit with the whole Travelcraft Journal thing. I mean, yes, this is the home of the sci-fi-reference-riddled holiday party post. But still. We’re about makers and doers, creative people with a “hey, let’s try this!” attitude.

Then I realized: so is Phoenix Comicon. It’s filled with people responding creatively to what they’ve read or watched, who make their own costumes or miniatures or films or chain mail or sketches, who’ve travelled to learn more about something they’re passionate about. Which is super Travelcraft Journally.

pugs-comicon — Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown. Photo: Phoenix Comicon. CCL.

So we requested press passes, researched, and started planning posts. I’ve never been to any of the events in the Comic-Con universe, so I reached out to some veterans about what a newbie needs to know to navigate the 5th largest Comic-Con in the U.S., which is happening next week. Here’s their sage advice, along with a few of my own newbie observations.

1. Planning Ahead

Jill Rouleau (Bespoke Software Solutions):

Have a plan for what you want to do before you go.
Be prepared to wait in line as much as an hour – or possibly even more – for big name speakers.
Don’t forget there will be programming at the hotels too! It can help to get out of the crowd for a bit.

Jeff Moriarty (Professional Geek and Shenaniganizer):

Phoenix Comicon can be overwhelming, so don’t even try to do it all. See what you can, have fun, but it’s okay to miss things. That’s just going to happen. Make time to try something brand new! Take advantage of a few thousand die-hard fans being around you to stick your nose into a topic you’ve maybe been curious about and see where it leads you. Walk away from Con with a whole new set of loves!

Ryan DeFusco (The Indie Imaginarium):

Check out the panels (genre-specific events hosted by individuals) that are going on and tentatively plan on attending some. But don’t be afraid to change up your plans if you discover something else you want to see.

Jason Hunt (The Wampa’s Lair Podcast):

Have a game plan. Phoenixcomicon.com helps by letting you make an account and add panels you’re interested in to your “ConQuest.” This puts them on a schedule that makes it much easier to look at.
The website only shows you events by category and does not have a daily calendar. If you like to see things blocked out by day, try and get to the Convention early so you can look over the schedule.

Stephanie (a.k.a. me):

Keep up with the Comicon-versation via hashtag #phxcc on Twitter and Instagram.
Ready to buy your ticket? What you’re looking for (in Comiconese) is a membership. Attendees are members (not guests).
Guests are authors, artists, living legends, space cowboys, bad guy kapow!-ers, ax-wielding orc slayers, paper clip missile defusers, former pitcher-fetchers turned dread pirates, and so on. One does not simply walk into Phoenix Comicon and become a guest.

Programming Picks

Ryan DeFusco:

My (first!) Comicon panel: DIY Chainmail Jewelry Make and Take Workshop.

Jeff Moriarty:

Check out the Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown the first two nights of Con! It’s where geeks from all angles converge to hash out some of the most important and ridiculous topics you’ve ever heard. It’s a rocking good time and guaranteed to get you into the Con spirit!

2. Gearing Up

Ryan DeFusco:

[The first time I attended Phoenix Comicon] I wish I had brought a change of clothes. My costume wasn’t too uncomfortable, but my wig kept slipping out of place and I desperately wanted to take it off.

Jill Rouleau:

Wear comfortable walking shoes. No, really, however cute those boots are, wear comfortable shoes. It’s ok to not dress up in costume. No one will think you’re weird or less of a geek. It’s also super cool if you do dress up! Don’t be scared that your costume won’t be “good enough” if it’s your first time costuming, what matters is that you have fun.

Jason Hunt:

Carry cash. If you are a collector or find something interesting that you want to buy, it always helps to pay in cash. Some sellers have the ability to take cards, but those rely on mobile devices and usually have problems getting through. Get cash from your hotel’s ATM and save your credit/debit cards for offsite food purchases.

Jonathan Simon (Lightning Octopus, tips excerpted from this post):

Put your money in your front pocket. Not to get all paranoid on you, but there will be a lot of strangers carrying cash wandering around bumping into each other. Best keep your dead presidents somewhere a little more in your line of sight.
Keep your phone charged and ready. Photos aren’t just for posing with cosplayers – you never know what might happen or what you might find that you want to remember later. (Bonus: Bring a power strip to share an outlet and be everyone’s hero.)

jason-hunt-Phoenix-Comicon — Jason Hunt (center). Photo: Wampa’s Lair.

3. At the Con: Get Your Geek On

Jill Rouleau:

Be respectful and ask before taking someone’s picture.
Take time off if you start to feel overwhelmed. There’s some great places to grab a bite or a beer downtown. You’ll thank yourself for the break later in the day.

Jason Hunt:

If you’re going with a group that wants to split up, have a designated time and area to meet. DO NOT rely on cell phones, because all the signals in one area tend to clutter up the local cell phone towers.

Jeff Moriarty:

Go all in! If you think there is some fun, weird, or quirky thing that you’re into that nobody else loves as much as you…you’re wrong! This is the place to let yourself go, share whatever form of geekery you delight in, and connect with others who enjoy it just as much as you.

Jonathan Simon sums it up with this handy infographic:

(For even more great advice, check out the Lightning Octopus site and its readers’ comments.) Now I’m ready to take on Comicon! A big thank you to Jason, Jeff, Jill, Jonathan, and Ryan for sharing so much awesome info! If you see me wandering around the Convention Center, please say hello. (I may be lost.) If I survive the weekend, I’ll tell ya all about it and share some cosplay awesomeness. Tune in next time or subscribe to make sure you don’t miss a thing.