Interview by Amber Thompson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Catherine Shotick is the guest curator of Edith Head: Hollywood’s Costume Designer. Read on to learn about how the exhibition began, what Shotick thinks Edith Head would have been like to work with, and more.
How did the exhibition Edith Head: Hollywood’s Costume Designer come into being?
When I started working as a curator at OKCMOA, one of my tasks was to propose exhibition ideas. I learned that the Museum organized the costume exhibition Sketch to Screen in 2010 and that it was the most highly attended exhibition to date. I grew up with an appreciation for Edith Head’s costume designs and learning that OKC had an audience who enjoyed seeing fashion and costumes allowed a seed of an idea to begin to grow in my mind. I began researching and learned that there had never been a large-scale Edith Head exhibition in the United States. I also saw there were many costumes held in US museums and private collections, and suddenly the idea became more of a realistic possibility. When I proposed the idea to the Museum’s staff and board members, everyone was enthusiastic, and the rest is history.
Why was curating this exhibition important to you? What connection do you have to Edith Head or old Hollywood?
In addition to wanting to create an exhibition that the Oklahoma City community would enjoy, I really wanted to create this exhibition for my mother. She is the one who instilled in me a love of classic Hollywood films at a very young age, for which I am forever grateful. It is my mom who always exclaims during the introductory credits “Oh Edith Head did the costume designs, I love her!” Without my mom’s influence and enthusiasm, I doubt the idea for the exhibition would have happened when it did. I can’t wait to walk through the galleries with her!
What do you think it means for OKCMOA, as an art museum, to exhibit these costumes?
By displaying film costumes, the Museum recognizes an art form beyond the more common painting and sculpture genres. An exhibition such as this celebrates the skill and creativity of a different kind of artist, the costume designer, who often draws upon historical research, artistic trends, and imaginative design to create pieces that are both visually compelling and functional for the screen. By displaying film costumes, OKCMOA is celebrating the artistry and impact of these designers, and offering the public an opportunity to appreciate the detailed work and creativity that goes into making films. This recognition elevates costume design to the realm of fine art, where it can be studied, admired, and preserved for future generations.
What about the Golden Age of Hollywood is so alluring to people?
I think the Golden Age of Hollywood is often romanticized because it represents a time of glamour, elegance, and larger-than-life stars. The movies produced during this era were groundbreaking and iconic for both film and fashion history, shaping not just entertainment but also cultural norms and aspirations. Additionally, the mystique surrounding the private lives of the stars adds to its allure, creating a sense of nostalgia and fascination for many people.
What have been some of the unique challenges with this exhibition?
The sheer scale of the exhibition has been the biggest challenge. Costume exhibitions are on a whole other level compared to a more typical framed painting exhibition, with much more to consider.
Which costume or section of the exhibition have you been most drawn to?
When curating this exhibition, I was most drawn to the historical costumes, especially the red velvet gown worn by Olivia de Havilland in The Heiress. I selected this costume to be the introductory costume in the exhibition because for me it sums up Edith Head’s career beautifully. She designed a stunning costume that matched both the script and the character and paid close attention to the smallest details for historical accuracy. She was proud of the designs for this film, and the Academy agreed, awarding Edith Head the first Oscar of her career, which is on display next to the red dress.
What do you think it would have been like to work with Edith Head?
To work with Edith Head most likely would have been exhilarating, challenging, exhausting, and rewarding, all in a day’s work. From what I have read, I know Edith Head was known for her professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. She was completely dedicated and was highly respected in Hollywood for her talent and work ethic, and while she could be demanding and precise in her vision, she was also known for her wit and charm. She was a complex individual who left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and film.
Without giving away any spoilers, what about this exhibition do you think will surprise visitors?
As visitors walk through the exhibition, I believe they will be surprised by the variety of costumes Edith Head designed over her career—from incredibly complex historical period costumes that used many yards of fabric, to a simple yet groundbreaking tropical sarong. She could take any script and make the words and characters come to life through fabric, color, patterns, and texture.
How can visitors make the most of their time in the exhibition?
There are 70 costumes on view, so pace yourself! And remember, during your visit, you can always go right back to the beginning and go through the galleries again if you like.
What’s one takeaway you hope visitors come away with?
I hope they walk away with a sense of awe, wonder, and appreciation for what Edith Head achieved during her career, and her impact on both the fashion and film industries.
Image Credit
Edith Head. Alamy Stock Photo
