The descriptions here are not perfect; this is a work in progress. Remember, if what's on this list doesn't look like what's on-screen, go with what's on-screen. This list is NOT "definitive" and is intended as a convenience to people assembling costumes, not the word of God.
If you think you notice a mistake or just want to chat about costuming, please email me. (If you see something that is wrong/incomplete, it would really help if you tell me which scene I can see the detail in question; I reply much faster if you send a photo/screencap than if I have to drag out the Blu-Ray.) I am happy to talk with anyone so long as a tone of mutual respect is maintained. Yes, the site is still regularly updated; for details, see "What's New" below.
All mistakes on this list are my own--nothing goes onto the site until I have verified it with my own eyes.
A note about the DVD: it really has changed everything. Now everyone can have access to high-quality stills. Same thing for the Blu-Ray but more so. If you want to do serious detail work, buy a copy. I bought a DVD player specifically to watch Rocky, then did the same thing for the Blu-Ray. Make sure you get a player with zoom capabilites. If you're looking for DVD software for your computer, I recommend PowerDVD; it has screen capture capabilities and frame advance. Several of my friends have also been happy with it. Blu-Ray capture is significantly more difficult and will probably require some creativity, or just popping the disc in every time you want to check something.
How To Use This List
This list is intended for fans who want to recreate the costumes from the movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
If you are costuming a production of the play "The Rocky Horror Show," I can't stop you from using this website for reference. But I can strongly encourage you to do what Sue Blane did and costume the play using your own original ideas, or, if you must, using her designs as a jumping-off point instead of slavishly copying them. Please leave that to us fans.
Thank you,
Ruth
What's Coming Up - What's Not Coming Up
I'm not associated with this, and have no financial interest in people buying it. I just figured detail-minded Columbias should know. (NOTE: if you've never seen this, please note: the sequins are not sewn onto a backing fabric. Costume maven Mina Credeur notes: "Lack of backing makes it really easy to use one solid piece to cover an entire bodice - no messy sequin seams!" and notes that the lack of backing makes it easy to drape, but it threw me for a loop.)
The majority of these photos can be seen in the 2005 coffee table book "Mick Rock: Rocky Horror," which features over 300 photos. You can usually find the hardcover German/US edition used at amazon.de (Amazon.com's German branch) - it's gotten somewhat pricey since it went out of print, so it might be worth watching the Euro. A more affordable US paperback version was supposed to come out in 2006, but it never happened. If you're a serious costume freak, order it.
Frank's jacket, as it looks today (we think) (external link): A gentleman named Mike Scott owns what is probably Frank's original jacket, purchased at auction from the 59 Club, and he's been kind enough to put up a website with photos of it. If it isn't the original, it's a damn good reproduction. The jacket has been refurbished (in which process some of the original patches were lost), the leather repaired, and the badges cleaned. Some items have broken over the years, notably the zipper pulls. Mike will also make you a reproduction jacket, if you have the means...
Rocky's trunks in gory detail and in color!: Some wonderful fans from South Carolina went and took a bunch of close-up pictures of Rocky's trunks at the Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach. (Thanks, Dawn!) The external link's been dead, so we're displaying some of them here, in addition to a few I shot.
Keep in mind that Sue Blane says she thinks Rocky had several pairs (the gold wore off very quickly). But these photos are as close as we'll probably ever get to definitive.
By the way, the Hard Rock rotates their stock; I'm told the shorts are no longer in Myrtle Beach, and they were spotted by a fan at the Hard Rock in Orlando in April 2011:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1661176060560&set=o.160788907308875&type=3. Sadly, the way they're displayed (on a mannequin) means you can no longer see the inside of the shorts.
Frank's floorshow shoe. A friend acquired it and asked if I'd like to take pictures. Here they are!
Columbia's bustier. Larry Viezel acquired it and let a couple of us take pictures. Some of these were posted on rhpscostumes; here they are, with some additional photos to boot.
Columbia's floor show boa. Larry Viezel acquired it and let a couple of us take pictures. Some of these were posted on rhpscostumes. Here they are at last.
Janet's pink dress. Megan Tabor provided this photo of the dress, which Sal Piro brought to an early Las Vegas convention. Wonder no longer if Janet's cuffs are gingham.
Frank | |
Janet | Brad |
Riff | Magenta |
Columbia | Rocky |
Eddie | Dr. Scott |
Crim | Trixie |
Makeup by Character and Tips & Tricks
Costume & Prop Tips
& Tricks
Where to find costume-making supplies, costume-making hints, and costume care tips
Wig and Hair Tricks
Thoughts on wig and hair supplies, and basic wig care. Not the thoughts of an expert but might help.
Thank You List (and Source List)
Who is Ruth, anyway?