Elvis & Nixon: When Rock and Roll Met the White House
Costume designer Peggy Schnitzer delved into old news footage, magazines and photographs of the sixties and early seventies from Washington D.C., Los Angeles and the South, to capture the clothing we see on the screen in Liza Johnson’s Elvis & Nixon (A film by Amazon Studios and Bleecker Street). In her work she considers trends and world influences that impact character. Historical research along with social position is considered – would someone be able to afford or be interested in the look of the day? Based on actual events, Peggy replicated some of Elvis’ clothes and jewelry for this movie. Two iconic figures of the time meet in this funny film, leaving Peggy to straddle the delicate job of providing actors with clothes that, because of our familiarity with them, our subconscious would immediately assess – and accept or reject. She also heightens humor in her choices. Click on the gallery to learn the secrets of the wardrobe of Elvis & Nixon, starring Michael Shannon as Elvis and Kevin Spacey as Nixon. The film is in theaters now.
Photos Credit: Steve Dietl/Amazon Studios & Bleecker Street