LOS ANGELES, CA- The Grammy Museum’s newest exhibit “A Diamond in A Rhinestone World: The Costumes of Dolly Parton” is beyond dazzling. The exhibit opens February 5, 2019 and runs until March 17, 2019. Whether you have been a long time Dolly Parton fan like me or a recent fan due to the Netflix movie Dumplin‘, A Diamond in a Rhinestone World will absolutely mesmerize you.
There is no question that Dolly Parton is an icon. With 8 Grammy wins, several movie appearances, an Oscar nomination, thousands of concerts throughout the decades, her status as an entertainment icon is firmly established. Heck … she even has her own theme park and resort! Of course, her spin on fashion has added to her already sparkling voice and legend.
Dolly came from a humble background. Her mother sewed many of her childhood clothes, including a coat made of patches of fabric, the story of the coat would be key to her music, inspiring the song, “the Coat of Many Colors”. Early on Dolly learned that standing out and being different also meant being confident and true to who you are. This unique attitude on fashion and life has made her a real showstopper.
The exhibit features some of her early outfits from the 1960s, movie costumes, stage costumes, and some of the outfits she’s worn for videos and television appearances. As you peruse the exhibit, you can truly the evolution of Dolly’s fashion through the decades. The earlier years are soft and feminine, but as time goes by, we see Dolly evolve into the daring icon she has become known for, preferring bright colors and bold prints.
The costumes in the exhibit are grouped according to theme, color, or type of show. I loved how everything was organized. I’m particular about color groupings and felt that the design layout was harmonious and symmetrical.
Walking through the exhibit it is evident that Dolly Parton loves to dazzle. Her bold clothing choices range from animal print dresses, bedazzled denim, or a sequined and feathered gown. The first costume I saw, a white beaded pant suit, was beyond mind blowing. The rows and rows of fringe beading on the neckline on this suit was breathtaking. The border had hand beaded orange, brown, and turquoise beads, creating a beautiful southwest border. Clearly one of my favorites. Hand beading is such a painstaking task and to see all the dangling beading and pearl beads throughout the suit, I was star struck. Can you imagine how many hours were spent just on all the beading? Tens, if not hundreds, of hours! Seamstresses are truly unsung artists and this outfit really inspired me to try and step up my beading game for upcoming outfits.
Along with beading, another signature embellishment that is seen throughout, are rhinestones. Rhinestone are seen on denim skirts, jeans, and gowns. There were so many outfits that were bedazzled till they sparkled like glimmering diamonds. Of course, clothing wan’t the only thing that got the rhinestone cowgirl look. Instruments- from guitars to saxophones- got the bejeweled treatment as well. Of course, the gown alongside the bejeweled instruments was one particular favorite. It reminded me of mix of Elsa and the Blue Fairy wrapped into one. The blue chiffon has accordion pleated sleeves that flow like an ethereal fairy. Throughout the bodice giant crystals were hand-sewn to the gown, and throughout the entire gown rows and rows of rhinestones were delicately hand glued. The piece is finished off beautifully with a narrow-rolled hem on all the edges. It’s the little things- taking an extra effort in those little details- that make a piece go from great to beyond extraordinary.
Of course, not everything in the collection is bedazzled. Dolly’s yellow sweater and floral skirt from 9 to 5 is out on display and the black dress she wore in Steel Magnolias, as well. It was amazing to see the costumes from the many movies she starred in.
The one thing that is evident in all of the pieces on display was that details are the key to all of Dolly Parton’s outfit. A simple gingham dress is leveled up with a red chiffon over coat and embroidered with beaded lace. A quilted rhinestone vest adds depth and dimension to a pink spandex jumpsuit. The few chains, keys and lace flowers added to jeans turns ordinary into bad-ass. I loved looking at all the details in the outfits and I spent hours staring at leather fringe, embroidered roses, feathers, and ruffles.
I had a great time checking every outfit and costume in the exhibit. Furthermore, adding to the spectacular experience was Dolly’s music playing throughout the gallery. At one point I was singing along to “Jolene” and breaking out into a little dance. I guarantee you will be singing too. I was so immersed with this exhibit that I forgot how many hours I spent checking and rechecking every outfit. It was amazing.
To every Dolly Parton fan out there, don’t miss this display. Put on some fabulous jeans or a sparkling gown and run to this exhibit. You will be amazed by the stunning masterpieces Ms. Dolly Parton has worn, as I was.
For information of admission and hours of the exhibit check out the Grammy Museum.
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