Elvis Presley was well-known for giving gifts to family, friends, and strangers. Bill Belew, who designed the King of Rock and Roll’s iconic jumpsuits for almost a decade, witnessed his generosity firsthand. He recalled when Presley gifted a fan a diamond and emerald ring she admired with “love and gratitude.”
Elvis Presley gave a fan an expensive gift she admired but couldn’t afford
In an interview with Elvis.com.au, Bill Belew discussed one instance where he worked with a jeweler to create custom pieces for Elvis Presley to wear at Sonny West’s wedding to Judy Jordan in 1970. Presley sent him to Schwartz and Albusser on the new jewelry.
“And so I went down there, and that’s how I met Saul and Abe. And as time progressed, we got to know each other,” Belew explained.
“Saul was tellin’ me that a lady had been coming in...
Elvis Presley gave a fan an expensive gift she admired but couldn’t afford
In an interview with Elvis.com.au, Bill Belew discussed one instance where he worked with a jeweler to create custom pieces for Elvis Presley to wear at Sonny West’s wedding to Judy Jordan in 1970. Presley sent him to Schwartz and Albusser on the new jewelry.
“And so I went down there, and that’s how I met Saul and Abe. And as time progressed, we got to know each other,” Belew explained.
“Saul was tellin’ me that a lady had been coming in...
- 2/12/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley wasn’t always associated with the white jumpsuits that became integral to his stage shows. However, one costume from the 1970s changed his stage style forever, allowing the King of Rock and Roll to become synonymous with one particular look.
Elvis Presley’s stage costumes in his Vegas era were inspired by one unforgettable look
Filming for the concert documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is began in 1970. The footage was shot at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The concerts captured on film were Presley’s first live performances in over a decade. His last was in March of 1961.
Presley performed a benefit to help fund the building of the USS Arizona Memorial. His show raised around $62,000 for the memorial, which was completed a year later.
Therefore, the entertainer wanted a dynamic look when he returned to the concert stage. He turned to his costume designer, Bill Belew,...
Elvis Presley’s stage costumes in his Vegas era were inspired by one unforgettable look
Filming for the concert documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is began in 1970. The footage was shot at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The concerts captured on film were Presley’s first live performances in over a decade. His last was in March of 1961.
Presley performed a benefit to help fund the building of the USS Arizona Memorial. His show raised around $62,000 for the memorial, which was completed a year later.
Therefore, the entertainer wanted a dynamic look when he returned to the concert stage. He turned to his costume designer, Bill Belew,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was to begin a new tour the day after his 1977 death. His longtime costume designer, Bill Belew, revealed the King of Rock and Roll readied to debut his most “spectacular” jumpsuit ever, and its prototype was ready when he learned of Presley’s passing.
Elvis Presley was readying the debut of a ‘spectacular’ laser suit
The King of Rock and Roll’s concerts were more than just music; they were an event. With each tour, Elvis Presley would try to incorporate the newest technology and over-the-top costumes to thrill audiences.
His longtime costume designer, Bill Belew, told Elvis Australia he was working on incorporating a new technology into Presley’s wardrobe in the late 1970s. He would wear the first laser jumpsuit.
He said, “Well, the last thing I was working on was called a laser suit. I had met an electrician who was into lasers.”
“And lasers...
Elvis Presley was readying the debut of a ‘spectacular’ laser suit
The King of Rock and Roll’s concerts were more than just music; they were an event. With each tour, Elvis Presley would try to incorporate the newest technology and over-the-top costumes to thrill audiences.
His longtime costume designer, Bill Belew, told Elvis Australia he was working on incorporating a new technology into Presley’s wardrobe in the late 1970s. He would wear the first laser jumpsuit.
He said, “Well, the last thing I was working on was called a laser suit. I had met an electrician who was into lasers.”
“And lasers...
- 2/2/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Designing Elvis Presley‘s iconic stage outfits was one of the most fun and challenging aspects of Bill Belew’s job. He walked a delicate line between making them both fabulous and functional. However, one of Presley’s heaviest and most expensive jumpsuits once caused the King of Rock and Roll to fall over.
Elvis Presley took a tumble from the weight of one of his heaviest jumpsuits
As the 1970s progressed, Elvis Presley’s jumpsuits became more extravagant and heavier. His audiences expected more from the King of Rock and Roll, and his costume designer Bill Belew delivered, but with a cost.
In an interview with Elvis Australia, Belew discussed the many outfits he crafted for Presley. He began working with him in 1968, creating the most iconic looks of the entertainer’s career.
However, one outfit in particular caused the King of Rock and Roll to topple over. This...
Elvis Presley took a tumble from the weight of one of his heaviest jumpsuits
As the 1970s progressed, Elvis Presley’s jumpsuits became more extravagant and heavier. His audiences expected more from the King of Rock and Roll, and his costume designer Bill Belew delivered, but with a cost.
In an interview with Elvis Australia, Belew discussed the many outfits he crafted for Presley. He began working with him in 1968, creating the most iconic looks of the entertainer’s career.
However, one outfit in particular caused the King of Rock and Roll to topple over. This...
- 2/1/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After a string of career disappointments, Priscilla Presley was thrilled to see Elvis Presley achieve success with a Las Vegas residency. He reinvigorated his career and let her play an active role in his work. She explained his success also improved their marriage. For the first time in their years-long relationship, Priscilla felt that they were working as a team.
Priscilla Presley described the way Elvis’ success helped their relationship
After nine years without performing live, Elvis put on a concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. He jumped back into performing, putting on shows every night for a month. While his fame had been waning for years, Elvis mania gripped Vegas.
“No matter where we looked, all we could see was the name Elvis — on television, newspapers, banners, and billboards,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me. “The King had returned.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
Priscilla Presley described the way Elvis’ success helped their relationship
After nine years without performing live, Elvis put on a concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. He jumped back into performing, putting on shows every night for a month. While his fame had been waning for years, Elvis mania gripped Vegas.
“No matter where we looked, all we could see was the name Elvis — on television, newspapers, banners, and billboards,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me. “The King had returned.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
- 10/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley inspired performers of every musical genre, far and wide. However, in the 1970s, one family group felt his influence after becoming friendly with the king of rock and roll. He encouraged them to ditch their clean-cut image and add some sass to their stage act.
Elvis Presley during his ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ television special in 1973 | Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images The Osmonds and Elvis Presley forged a friendship in the early 1970s
During the early 1970s, Elvis Presley and the Osmond family developed an unlikely friendship. Both performers spent a lot of time entertaining concertgoers in Las Vegas.
In an interview during Elvis Week at Graceland, Jay Osmond discussed the family’s friendship with the King of Rock and Roll. He attended the Memphis-based festivities and discussed his clan’s personal connection to the entertainer.
The website Memphis Commercial Appeal spoke to Jay regarding his family’s Elvis connection.
Elvis Presley during his ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ television special in 1973 | Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images The Osmonds and Elvis Presley forged a friendship in the early 1970s
During the early 1970s, Elvis Presley and the Osmond family developed an unlikely friendship. Both performers spent a lot of time entertaining concertgoers in Las Vegas.
In an interview during Elvis Week at Graceland, Jay Osmond discussed the family’s friendship with the King of Rock and Roll. He attended the Memphis-based festivities and discussed his clan’s personal connection to the entertainer.
The website Memphis Commercial Appeal spoke to Jay regarding his family’s Elvis connection.
- 8/16/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, is an enduring symbol of American pop culture. He transformed the music industry, revolutionized the world of entertainment, and left an indelible mark on the realm of fashion. His style was daring, cutting-edge, and unique, and it continues to inspire generations of fans, designers, and musicians. This article takes a closer look at Elvis Presley’s iconic style, from the early years of his career to the Vegas years, and his impact on the fashion industry.
Introduction to Elvis Presley’s Iconic Style
Elvis Presley’s style was a reflection of his larger-than-life personality, a blend of influences ranging from the flamboyant to the rebellious. He was unapologetically bold and flashy, yet there was a certain elegance and sophistication to his fashion choices. He was not afraid to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable or fashionable, and he did so with flair and confidence.
Introduction to Elvis Presley’s Iconic Style
Elvis Presley’s style was a reflection of his larger-than-life personality, a blend of influences ranging from the flamboyant to the rebellious. He was unapologetically bold and flashy, yet there was a certain elegance and sophistication to his fashion choices. He was not afraid to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable or fashionable, and he did so with flair and confidence.
- 4/25/2023
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
Elvis Presley heralded the turn of the 1970s by ushering in a look that would dominate his performances until his 1977 death. During that decade, his need for comfort and style led the king of rock and roll to wear jumpsuits. In turn, he created an iconic image that endures today. His costume designer reveals that of all the dozens of jumpsuits Presley sported during that time, he had one favorite look. Can you guess which one it was?
Elvis Presley wearing his iconic American Eagle jumpsuit | Gary Null/Getty Images Why did Elvis Presley change his fashion style in the 1970s?
In the late 1960s, desperate for a music career revival after spending years making Hollywood films, Elvis Presley dramatically shifted his image. Before his acting days, Presley was best known for looks that featured bright colors, tight pants, and slicked-back hair.
However, Presley introduced fans to a new, raw...
Elvis Presley wearing his iconic American Eagle jumpsuit | Gary Null/Getty Images Why did Elvis Presley change his fashion style in the 1970s?
In the late 1960s, desperate for a music career revival after spending years making Hollywood films, Elvis Presley dramatically shifted his image. Before his acting days, Presley was best known for looks that featured bright colors, tight pants, and slicked-back hair.
However, Presley introduced fans to a new, raw...
- 4/3/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Renowned costume and production designer Catherine Martin and her husband, director Baz Luhrmann, are known for the bold visual style of their collaborations and, not for nothing, Martin also is a four-time Oscar winner, having earned the costume and production design honors at the Academy Awards for Moulin Rouge! in 2002 and another pair in the same categories for The Great Gatsby in 2014. This year, she earned a trio of nominations for Warner Bros.’ Elvis, for costume and production design, as well as best picture since she also is a producer.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Luhrmann, Martin has learned that “we’re in the business of allowing an audience into a world, connecting the audience to how it would have felt to be somewhere.” Effectively, their work “translates those visuals into an all-enveloping world that helps support the story so people understand who the [characters are] and where they are.”
She notes...
Reflecting on her collaboration with Luhrmann, Martin has learned that “we’re in the business of allowing an audience into a world, connecting the audience to how it would have felt to be somewhere.” Effectively, their work “translates those visuals into an all-enveloping world that helps support the story so people understand who the [characters are] and where they are.”
She notes...
- 2/22/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In “Elvis,” there are three transformational moments that define Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) as the King of Rock: his rambunctious 1954 performance at The Louisiana Hayride, where he was discovered by the innovative yet overprotective manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks); his surprising ’68 NBC “Comeback Special,” where he rediscovered his rock ‘n’ roll roots; and the start of his legendary run at Las Vegas’ International Hotel, where he launched his final, glam era in ’69.
What Butler wears during each of these transformational moments — a pink-and-black suit, tight black leather-on-leather outfit, and white jumpsuit, respectively — helps convey Presley’s rock persona in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. “What I came away with about Elvis is what a singular star maker he was, and how unbounded by convention he was,” costume designer Catherine Martin told IndieWire.
“You just don’t think of [his birthplace of] Tupelo [Mississippi] as being a style center of the world,” said Martin,...
What Butler wears during each of these transformational moments — a pink-and-black suit, tight black leather-on-leather outfit, and white jumpsuit, respectively — helps convey Presley’s rock persona in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. “What I came away with about Elvis is what a singular star maker he was, and how unbounded by convention he was,” costume designer Catherine Martin told IndieWire.
“You just don’t think of [his birthplace of] Tupelo [Mississippi] as being a style center of the world,” said Martin,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
For Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, creating the looks for the new biopic Elvis came down to sexuality, the swerve of a hip, and a little bit of shake, rattle and roll. She says of working with director Baz Luhrmann, her husband and longtime collaborator: “Baz wanted to make sure contemporary audiences could connect to the rebel nature of Elvis Presley [played by Austin Butler] and both his innate sexuality and the sexuality of his movement connected with his body underneath his clothes. We needed to be sensitive to both the historical veracity and the meaning for the clothes that Elvis wore.” Those clothes were often, she notes, “highly controversial.”
The Warner Bros. film, due out June 24, is a tale of three decades in the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life, beginning with him as a maverick crooner of the 1950s who leaves Memphis...
For Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, creating the looks for the new biopic Elvis came down to sexuality, the swerve of a hip, and a little bit of shake, rattle and roll. She says of working with director Baz Luhrmann, her husband and longtime collaborator: “Baz wanted to make sure contemporary audiences could connect to the rebel nature of Elvis Presley [played by Austin Butler] and both his innate sexuality and the sexuality of his movement connected with his body underneath his clothes. We needed to be sensitive to both the historical veracity and the meaning for the clothes that Elvis wore.” Those clothes were often, she notes, “highly controversial.”
The Warner Bros. film, due out June 24, is a tale of three decades in the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life, beginning with him as a maverick crooner of the 1950s who leaves Memphis...
- 6/24/2022
- by Cathy Whitlock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Baz Luhrmann hoped “Elvis” would be much more than a biopic of Elvis Presley — he wanted to capture a time with a social history of this captivating figure that also told the story of America.
Starring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, his manager, “Elvis” spans two decades. The backdrop is America’s Southern bible belt, the evolving cultural landscape, and the rock ‘n’ roller’s meteoric rise to stardom.
Costume designer Catherine Martin explains there are two costume styles in the movie — “recreations of costumes that existed, and the other fictionalized outfits that are a synthesis of outfits that he actually had that help tell the story.”
The pink suit rockabilly suit Butler sports was just one of 90 costumes he wore. Like all of the costumes Martin designed, it had to facilitate movement and serve the practicalities of filmmaking. “The pink suit is...
Starring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, his manager, “Elvis” spans two decades. The backdrop is America’s Southern bible belt, the evolving cultural landscape, and the rock ‘n’ roller’s meteoric rise to stardom.
Costume designer Catherine Martin explains there are two costume styles in the movie — “recreations of costumes that existed, and the other fictionalized outfits that are a synthesis of outfits that he actually had that help tell the story.”
The pink suit rockabilly suit Butler sports was just one of 90 costumes he wore. Like all of the costumes Martin designed, it had to facilitate movement and serve the practicalities of filmmaking. “The pink suit is...
- 6/23/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis is still the King. Kruse Gws Auctions, the entertainment memorabilia auction house specializing in celebrities, sold a key piece of his career at a Saturday auction for more than a million dollars.
The Elvis Presley Eyelet Jumpsuit and Cape from his 1972 Madison Square Garden performances in New York has sold for $1,012,500, with the auction house reporting it as a world record price, albeit without noting any details on what record it beat.
The ensemble, designed by Bill Belew, became one of the most-photographed and iconic costumes of Elvis’s career. The show where he wore it was his first live performance at Madison Square Garden. The eyelet jumpsuit and cape has been in a private collection for more than 30 years prior to it going to auction.
Other Elvis memorabilia also was a hit at the weekend auctions. Highlights include an Elvis Presley Jar of Hair with extensive documentation, sold...
The Elvis Presley Eyelet Jumpsuit and Cape from his 1972 Madison Square Garden performances in New York has sold for $1,012,500, with the auction house reporting it as a world record price, albeit without noting any details on what record it beat.
The ensemble, designed by Bill Belew, became one of the most-photographed and iconic costumes of Elvis’s career. The show where he wore it was his first live performance at Madison Square Garden. The eyelet jumpsuit and cape has been in a private collection for more than 30 years prior to it going to auction.
Other Elvis memorabilia also was a hit at the weekend auctions. Highlights include an Elvis Presley Jar of Hair with extensive documentation, sold...
- 9/5/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Priscilla Presley let Et inside the new $45 million expansion at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee!
The new state-of-the-art entertainment complex, called Elvis Presley's Memphis, opened on Thursday, and it marks the biggest expansion to Elvis' home since it first opened to the public in 1982.
Watch: Exclusive: Priscilla Presley Opens Up About Daughter Lisa Marie's Court Battle With Estranged Ex
"We're very proud of what we're able to do now to really get the full experience of Elvis Presley," Priscilla told Et's Cameron Mathison.
Some of the new additions to the Graceland visitor experience include a showcase of Elvis' favorite motorcycles, a 20,000-square-foot soundstage that will play Elvis movies and concerts and an exhibit featuring some of Elvis' custom-made clothing -- like his famous gold lamé suit. Priscilla told us how the King really felt about that shiny outfit.
"He didn't like the pants, actually," she said. "He didn't like how the pants fit, so after that...
The new state-of-the-art entertainment complex, called Elvis Presley's Memphis, opened on Thursday, and it marks the biggest expansion to Elvis' home since it first opened to the public in 1982.
Watch: Exclusive: Priscilla Presley Opens Up About Daughter Lisa Marie's Court Battle With Estranged Ex
"We're very proud of what we're able to do now to really get the full experience of Elvis Presley," Priscilla told Et's Cameron Mathison.
Some of the new additions to the Graceland visitor experience include a showcase of Elvis' favorite motorcycles, a 20,000-square-foot soundstage that will play Elvis movies and concerts and an exhibit featuring some of Elvis' custom-made clothing -- like his famous gold lamé suit. Priscilla told us how the King really felt about that shiny outfit.
"He didn't like the pants, actually," she said. "He didn't like how the pants fit, so after that...
- 3/3/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
London, May 12: Elvis Presley's iconic white 'eagle' cape will go under the hammer next week and is expected to make 90,000 pounds.
The floor-length cloak is embellished with blue, red and gold studs to create a huge eagle across the back.
Presley wore it over his white jumpsuit, the Daily Star reported.
The cap, which is one of the most recognisable items of clothing associated with the late singer, has been copied by Elvis impersonators around the world.
Presley's 5ft cape was made in 1973 for his "Aloha From Hawaii" concert by showbiz designer Bill Belew to hide the singer from his audience at the start.
The floor-length cloak is embellished with blue, red and gold studs to create a huge eagle across the back.
Presley wore it over his white jumpsuit, the Daily Star reported.
The cap, which is one of the most recognisable items of clothing associated with the late singer, has been copied by Elvis impersonators around the world.
Presley's 5ft cape was made in 1973 for his "Aloha From Hawaii" concert by showbiz designer Bill Belew to hide the singer from his audience at the start.
- 5/12/2013
- by Amith Ostwal
- RealBollywood.com
It’s hard to believe that seven seasons have passed in the “Project Runway” realm, and it looks like Season 8 may be the best so far.
Coming up on July 29th, Heidi Klum & Co. return to the Lifetime network at 9pm to show off a whole new cast of designing hopefuls.
This time around, the contestants are more diverse than ever, with plenty of men and women, young and not-so-young competing for the prize.
The Season 8 Cast of “Project Runway” is:
A. J. Thouvenot
Age: 26
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo
Profession: Designer for TrashBiscuit
Favorite Designer: Heatherette, Jeremy Scott, John Galliano
Andy South
Age: 23
Hometown: Waipahu, Hi
Profession: Freelance designer, and personal assistant to another designer.
Favorite Designer: Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano
April Johnston
Age: 21
Hometown: Savannah, Ga
Profession: Just graduated from college
Favorite Designer: Alexander McQueen, John Galliano
Casanova
Age: 33
Hometown: Astoria, NY
Profession: Fashion designer
Favorite Designer: John Galliano...
Coming up on July 29th, Heidi Klum & Co. return to the Lifetime network at 9pm to show off a whole new cast of designing hopefuls.
This time around, the contestants are more diverse than ever, with plenty of men and women, young and not-so-young competing for the prize.
The Season 8 Cast of “Project Runway” is:
A. J. Thouvenot
Age: 26
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo
Profession: Designer for TrashBiscuit
Favorite Designer: Heatherette, Jeremy Scott, John Galliano
Andy South
Age: 23
Hometown: Waipahu, Hi
Profession: Freelance designer, and personal assistant to another designer.
Favorite Designer: Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano
April Johnston
Age: 21
Hometown: Savannah, Ga
Profession: Just graduated from college
Favorite Designer: Alexander McQueen, John Galliano
Casanova
Age: 33
Hometown: Astoria, NY
Profession: Fashion designer
Favorite Designer: John Galliano...
- 7/22/2010
- GossipCenter
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