Costume Designer Arianne Phillips Gives Back to the Academy Museum

Lesley McKenzie
·2 min read
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As a member of the Academy and a three-time Oscar nominee for her work in films including “Walk the Line,” “W.E.” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” costume designer Arianne Phillips makes no secret of her excitement — and support — for the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Sept. 30.

“Whether you’re a film fan or a filmmaker, to be able to learn about the artistry of filmmaking and all the artists is something that’s an extension of my purpose,” says Phillips, who has donated a cache of costumes to the institution, including a prototype dress for Reese Witherspooon from “Walk the Line” and an array of pieces from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” “I actually owned all the costumes from ‘Hedwig,’ which was part of the deal I made, because it was made on a prayer and a dime,” she explains.

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Phillips’ enthusiasm for the museum doesn’t stop there: As the co-founder of Red Carpet Advocacy, an organization that brings together fashion and philanthropy, the artist has teamed up with online retailer Yoox on a capsule collection of Hollywood-inspired graphic T-shirts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the museum.

The costume designer has also been tapped to create merchandise — including a bespoke “Wizard of Oz”-themed capsule collection in collaboration with Moschino’s Jeremy Scott — for the museum’s store. Phillips and fellow costume designers Ruth E. Carter, Sharen Davis, Sandy Powell and Arjun Bhasin are designing a collection of T-shirts that takes cues from the film. Says Phillips: “It’s so holistic to be able to give back to the industry that inspires us.”

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