The selection of legendary costumes shows selected moments from film, stage, and performance history. The rare pieces bring performances that are immortalized in the audience’s collective memory to life. Curator Michael Schmidt and production designer Derek McLane chose to focus on the costumes, not the actors, and give visitors the unique opportunity to explore the sophisticated designs and complex details of the hand-crafted exhibit pieces. The intimate setting acts as a symbolic stage for virtual encounters with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Simone Biles, who all shone on stage in these pieces.
Michael Schmidt Los Angeles-based wardrobing and jewelry designer Michael Schmidt has garnered the attention of the fashion, entertainment, film, and photography industries. Stars like Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, and the Black Eyed Peas have worn his iconic designs. His works have appeared in books by renowned photographers and have been exhibited in international museums. Derek McLane The London native was born in 1958 and has designed over 350 productions for the theater, musicals, opera, and film since the mid-1990s. Derek McLane designed the stage at the Oscars between 2017 and 2022. His design for the 2019 Oscars featured 45 million Swarovski crystals. McLane is the Chairman of the Board of The New Group Theatre and has received many accolades, including two Tony Awards, two Emmy’s, two Obie’s, two Drama Desks, three Lucille Lortel Awards, and three Art Directors Guild Awards.
