Exhibit illustrates costumes

Costumes from the Golden Era of film to such recent films as "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" are displayed at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising gallery in Los Angeles.  

"Hollywood 2000" is the 8th annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit" that runs through April 28.

The exhibit begins with the gorgeous dress Judi Dench wore when she played Queen Elizabeth in the 1998 film "Shakespeare in Love."  The rich, heavy fabrics, the peacock feathers surrounding the neckline and the attention to detail make this piece fit for royal attire.

Costumes from "The Phantom Menace" including Queen Amidala's richly detailed ruby red dress, the headpiece she wore and Darth Maul's menacing all black outfit are displayed at the institute.

The silver matching outfits Dr. Evil and Mini Me wore in space are also on display from "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me."

Christina Ricci's peach gown worn in "Sleepy Hollow" is tiny and exquisite, and the Headless Horseman's tattered, black outfit is displayed on a headless mannequin.

The gaudy, flashy costumes from "Flawless," a movie about drag queens, are on display .  The dresses are quite large in size compared with the delicate dress from "Mansfield Park" displayed on the opposite wall.

The chariot used in the 1959 version of "Ben Hur" is displayed with Charlton Heston's cape as well as the fish scale armor tunic from the 1925 version. Kirk Douglas' costume from the 1960 movie "Spartacus" includes sandals, a metal breastplate and the famous bristle brush helmet.

The "Queens of the 20th Century Silver Screen" is a display that features costumes Claudette Colbert wore in the 1934 film "Cleopatra." 

The earliest costume on display is Mary Pickford's outfit from the 1921 movie "Little Lord Fauntleroy." 

A lavish display from the 1938 movie "Marie Antoinette" includes gorgeous dresses with elegant fabrics, furs and fancy trimmings that accentuate the grandeur of the movie. The silver lame gown Norma Shearer wore is breathtaking with its silver stars and English lace. 

Carmen Miranda's outrageous costume from the 1941 movie "Weekend in Havana" is still full of color, despite its age. A wild headpiece spilling with butterflies and flowers completes the outfit.

The upper levels of the school display original drawings by Christian Dior, Edith Head and Nolan Miller. Student works are displayed as well as costumes from "Coming to America," "Austin Powers," and an orange, ruffled dress Clara Bow wore in 1925.March