Welcome to FrockTalk, the web’s only costume-based movie review site. The goal of Frocktalk is to shed light on the magnificent artistry of costume design in motion pictures. Reviews on this site are written by working costume designers in the entertainment industry – people who know, better than anyone, what it takes to make it all happen. The focus of FrockTalk is not to comment on the big flashy costume dramas, but to call attention to the seemingly ordinary costume design work in film that silently and persuasively moves the audience toward understanding the characters. Costume design for motion pictures is an art form that deserves more recognition than it usually gets. Fancy, pretty costumes do not always equal effective, appropriate costumes. The art of the costume is in letting the audience know who the character is, before the actor even has a chance to open his mouth. Read on, and enjoy. ** CAUTION: ALL REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS! **

Tag Archive for 'debbie'

R.I.P., The Wiz 1947 – 2011

Published by KMB on November 18, 2011 in NOTES. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
Mike Norman, aka "The Wiz", with his lovely wife Debbie.
Mike Norman, aka “The Wiz”, with his lovely wife Debbie at the 2011 CDG Awards.

Dear Frocktalkers, it is with heavy heart that I tell you of the passing of one of our industry’s best friends. Mike Norman, AKA “the Wiz” has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2011, and we will miss him forever.

I was lucky enough to have known him for many years. He was a very intelligent person, philosophical in nature, and a self-admitted “dirty old man”. He was never gross about it – he was the playful, light-hearted, irreverent whippersnapper to the end – charming, witty, and always thought provoking. My heart is breaking for his family.

Beyond his charismatic personality, he was a gifted artist on our behalf. The Wiz, with his Wizard Screen Printing, helped so many of us meet our deadlines with beautiful results. The Wiz would turn things around on a dime, fix other peoples’ bad work, generally saving the day with a growl and a grin.

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Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Memorabilia Auction!

Published by KMB on June 12, 2011 in NOTES. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

We all know that Debbie Reynolds is a Hollywood legend, but did you know that she is also a lover of costumes?  She is auctioning off her massive collection of costumes on June 18, and there is a preview of some of the items right now at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.  Admission to see this exhibit is free, and there is free underground parking (in Beverly Hills!) so get on down and see it before it ends on June 17.  I went today, and was there for almost two hours – I took pictures of nearly everything.  In fact, I shot two CF cards full of pictures… and now one of the cards is reading ERROR.  I have posted some pics HERE and HERE so you can see these costumes – really, the collection is magnificent, and I am told that, of the hundred-plus pieces I saw today, it’s only representative of 40% of her total collection.  Simply amazing.  Enjoy the pictures, and get down there to see them in person if you can!  If you’d like to bid on any of the items, Profiles in History is handling the auction.  Click HERE for more info!  I will upload the pictures from the defective card as soon as I can!

- KMB