About the Exhibition

Actors become believable characters through the skillful work of costume designers and hair and makeup artists. Starting by reading a film’s screenplay to find hints about each character’s personality, tastes, and story arc, designers often conduct historical research, gather inspiration from different forms of culture such as fashion, music, and art, and work with the actor and director to decide how a character will look and move in the costume and makeup. Designers also collaborate with cinematographers and art directors to ensure a cohesive vision on screen.

Stories of Cinema: Identity showcases the collaborative art, science, and craft of bringing characters to life with a special focus on movie musicals. Finished costumes, hairpieces, make-up prosthetics, sketches, working tools, products, and research sources illuminate the design process from script to screen-worn look. Visitors will see original screen-worn costumes from films such as An American in Paris (USA, 1951), Flower Drum Song (USA, 1961), Moulin Rouge! (Australia/USA, 2001) and Barbie (UK/USA, 2023), along with studies in makeup and hairstyling for movies like The Wizard of Oz (USA, 1939), Amadeus (USA, 1984), Dreamgirls (USA, 2006), and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (USA, 2020).

This gallery is curated by Curatorial Consultant Nathalie Morris, Collections Curator Laura Mart, and Associate Curator Sophia Serrano.