Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume At The Birmingham Museum Of Art

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume
Just closed☹️at the Birmingham Museum of Art

I try to visit art museums wherever I go, and the Birmingham Museum of Art in Alabama, is always a rewarding experience. Recently, I was just in time to catch the very last day of an exhibit of Disney costumes - the actual pieces worn in various films.

Despite its closure, though, I think the costumes are worth checking out in all their intricate detail. I left envying the work of the costume designers - it must be quite gratifying to have the kind of budget to realize those fantastical dream outfits.

The images from even a few of the pieces on display speak for themselves.

Beauty and the Beast

Belle (Emma Watson), designed by Jacqueline Durran; along with you know who.

L-R: Worn by Oprah Winfrey as Mrs. Which in A Wrinkle in Time (2018) - designed by Paco Delgado, Worn by Emma Stone in the 2022 film Cruella - From notes by designer Jenny Beavan, it was one of 47 costume changes for the film's star & Jasmine, worn by Naomi Scott in Aladdin (2019) - designed by Michael Wilkinson

From the designer's notes at the show: "Oprah's costumes were very technically complex because we were using materials that we're not used to like neoprene, plastic, metal and optic fibre."

Once Upon A Time

From the TV show Once Upon A Time (2011-2018): Hook, worn by Colin O'Donoghue, Cinderella, worn by Gerry Schram & Evil Queen worn by Lana Parrilla (designer: Eduardo Castro)

Alice Through The Looking Glass

From Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016) - designer Colleen Atwood: Iracebeth, the Red Queen, worn by Helena Bonham Carter & Mirana, the White Queen, worn by Anne Hathaway.