In a modest studio outside of, iconography from Hollywood鈥檚 golden era adorn a sea of mannequins as part of 鈥淕ene London鈥檚 Hollywood.鈥
The collection, some 60,000 strong, is the work of , film fashion historian and former children鈥檚 television host who has been collecting the fashions for decades.
鈥淭he Golden Age of Hollywood touched moviegoers the world over and gave us a magic place where dreams really did come true,鈥 London said. 鈥淭he stars were memorable, as were the beautiful costumes that they wore.鈥
London will display 50 of his fashions at the , which opens Feb. 28 at the in Philadelphia and will feature the theme 鈥淐elebrate the Movies.鈥 donated a truck to help London transport the items to the nation鈥檚 largest and longest-running flower show.
Proceeds from the flower show will benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), a charitable organization founded in 1827. Through the PHS City Harvest program, green jobs are created, and more than 1,200 families in need receive fresh produce during the growing season.
Long before his collecting days, London was the creator and host of at one time Philadelphia鈥檚 top-rated children鈥檚 program. The show featured Quigley Mansion where Frankenstein, the Invisible Man and Dracula all lived.
鈥淚t was a lovely and magical time,鈥 London said of the program. 鈥淚t was heaven to do that show.鈥
Many famous actors and actresses from that time made guest appearances or visited London on set, including Joan Crawford, Lucile Ball, Kirk Douglas, Myrna Loy, Roy Rogers, Jane Wyman, Mary Tyler Moore and others.
鈥淛oan Crawford saw me on television and she sent me a letter saying how she loved Cartoon Corner.鈥 London said. 鈥淪he sent me a trunk full of clothes just because I loved them.鈥
Crawford would eventually become a life-long friend whose gifts from her screen and personal wardrobe would be the stepping stones to London鈥檚 role as a collector and Hollywood historian.
In addition to gifts, London purchased other items to add to his collection. When MGM studios stopped making films, there was a big auction sale and London purchased many costumes through that sale.
Over the years, London鈥檚 collection has grown to more than 60,000 pieces. London presents Hollywood-themed fashion shows and exhibitions and will display costumes worn by Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth and others.
As part of his Flower Show exhibit, London will feature dresses from iconic movies such as 鈥淕one with the Wind鈥 as well as showcase premiere gowns worn by actresses to events.
鈥淓very dress will include a picture of the star,鈥 London said. 鈥淓very dress tells a story of the designer and the star.鈥
The tour will be London鈥檚 way to give movie fans a glimpse into Hollywood鈥檚 past.
鈥淗ollywood was a kind of make-believe,鈥 London said. 鈥淚t was hard work for everyone, but it was heavenly.鈥
The Gene London Hollywood Collection will be in Room 203 of the convention center. Admission to the event is $5.
By Bernie Mixon