Emerald City Costume

Today I'm thrilled to share another costume I've recently added to my collection.  The thrill of costume collecting, is sometimes a piece will come up to auction that has never been seen before by the public eye.  This Emerald City Vest is a perfect example of that.

For the past year I have been wanting to add another MGM 1939 Wizard of Oz piece to my collection.  When I stumbled across this vest, I knew I had to have it.  Although the piece is not instantly recognizable as being used within Oz, the fact had no consequence as I never collect to sell and achieve a return.  I collect to preserve American film history and enjoy the piece itself.

The vest is very well documented throughout the making of the film.  Seen above is an MGM still with the actor testing the vest.  Below you can see him testing the piece on set.

Most importantly, the vest survives on the final copy of the film.  Below you can see the actor running for his life as the Wicked Witch of the West writes her threatening message in the sky.  

The costume now rests safely within my collection.  The vest has been put on a safe ethafoam mannequin that will protect the fabrics and shape of the costume for many years.  Careful attention was paid to acquire museum conservation glass as to protect the dye from UV rays and dust.  A modern recreation of the Cowardly Lion's Emerald City Robe lies beneath.

Ruby Slippers and Other Collectible Shoes

     Today I thought I would make a post about surviving footwear.  I get the  biggest kick in finding shoes worn by stars from their Hollywood Glory days.  Undoubtedly the Ruby Slippers are the most recognizable and famous of all Hollywood shoes, but lets be honest, how many of us average collectors can afford an authentic pair?

     One of my unfulfilled dreams is to own an original pair of Ruby Slippers from the film...but as my pocket book doesn't stretch to millions and my collection grew, I couldn't wait any longer to have my own pair.  I decided to research the making of the shoes and recreate them using the same process MGM did back in 1938.  It took me three years but this is the end result.  Years later I look at my shoes and find some flaws, but I'm still thrilled at how they turned out.

     ....But as time went by I still wasn't satisfied.  I HAD to own something Judy Garland wore in one of her films!  Out of the blue, a pair of boots appeared at auction, and with dumb luck I was able to win them.

     As to which movie these shoes were used in...is a mystery.  The boots were originally sold at the David Weisz MGM auction, and described as being used in the film For Me and My Gal.  However, good friend and fellow Garland collector Michael Siewert believes the boots were used when Garland worked on Annie Get Your Gun. 

     The rubber soles on the boots are well worn.  It's my personal feeling that these shoes were worn by Garland in multiple films, including that of Harvey Girls. The handwriting within the boots matches the same handwriting used on other Garland pieces from the same film.  Who can really tell for sure though, I suppose that's half the fun in collecting!

Sci-Fi Channel's Tin Man

     For my first post I thought I would share my most recent addition to my Wizard of Oz costume collection.  This featured piece was worn by actress Zooey Deschanel in the Sci-Fi Mini Series Tin Man.  

     Buttons line the front of this creamy white dress, while a blue gingham collar and cuffs help accent the outfit.  A gingham Apron of the same fabric accompanies the outfit.  The original waitress name tag "I'm DG" is still present, and a label of Hero D.G Waitress #1 is marked inside.