Nudie Cohn was the Russian born tailor whose designs transformed the clothing of American country music. At one time a designer of highly embellished g-strings for New York strippers, Nudie moved to Hollywood in 1947 and originated the 'rhinestone cowboy' look that has become visual shorthand for country music style. His fantastical, intricately embroidered and heavily ornamented outfits have adorned the backs of countless stars of country music as well as those from the worlds of rock & roll, film and the rodeo. They include Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Hank Williams, Porter Wagoner, Gram Parsons, John Lennon, Dolly Parton and Elton John. Contemporary musicians such as Bobby Gillespie from Primal Scream, Mike Mills from R.E.M. and Beck; fashion photographers including Craig McDean; and fashion designers from Tommy Hilfiger to Giles Deacon are still inspired by his incredible designs.

Dreamsuits: The Wonderful World of Nudie Cohn explores Nudie's biography, his relationship with his customers, the evolution of his style, his position within the narrative of fashion history as well as his legacy within contemporary culture. Superb examples of Nudie suits and archival material from his estate are shown alongside images of those that wore his designs and those that are still influenced by him today. It also draws upon an expansive (and previously untapped) collection of Nudie's designs owned by the remarkable Belgian entertainer Bobbejaan Schoepen.

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