Store Spotlights Clothes That Graced the Stars

Alittle more than 10 years ago, when my bargain hunting changed from an amateur pursuit to a professional one, I made a joyous discovery. It was called the Retake Room then, but today it’s known as Studio Wardrobe Services, which clearly describes the operation and the inventory for those not familiar with entertainment industry terms.

The racks hold wardrobe from various film and television studios in town. Some have been worn once, others not at all. When an action scene or eating scene is being shot, there’s always the chance that a garment will be split or stained. Should this happen, to protect themselves from having to schedule another shoot, a production company will provide several backup duplicates that are often never worn.

After a film or movie for television is completed or a TV series canceled, Studio Wardrobe Services bids for the wardrobe, takes it on consignment and sells it to the public way below the original price.

Over the years, I have made some wonderful purchases here. A coat worn by Bette Davis in a 1982 TV movie for CBS, “A Piano for Mrs. Ciamino,” was one of my favorites. Custom-made for Davis, it was a lovely plaid wool with magenta trim. The price was $40--definitely a steal. Only one problem--it looked as if there were pockets, but as is the case in most studio-made garments, they were fake. I wore it till it disintegrated.

When the CBS television series “White Shadow” was canceled in 1981, about 50 basketball uniforms from the fictitious Carver High were gone from the racks in a matter of hours.

The number of studio-made garments diminishes each year, owner Elaine Vollmer says. “Most wardrobe used in production these days is store-bought,” she says. “Only when it can’t be purchased is it custom-made.”

The day I spoke with Vollmer, she was waiting for calls from the studios to arrange pickup of apparel from TV series that have been canceled and pilots that didn’t make the cut. Current stock includes the complete sportswear wardrobe for men and women from “The Water Dance,” a 1992 Sundance Film Festival winner. Several classic silk blouses made for Faye Dunaway for a recent production were $15. A selection of big men’s shirts purchased for a beer commercial carry the Eddie Bauer label and are only $10. A sport jacket from “Hunter,” custom-made for Fred Dryer, the 6-foot, 6-inch former pro athlete who’s a size 44 with a 32 waist, is $35.

“This is one store where the big man is not penalized with higher costs,” Vollmer says.

Sizes are erratic, but keep in mind that actresses tend to be sizes 2 to 8 and thin, and the actors tall, but recently more realistic body shapes seem to be popping up in films and commercials.

Shopping at the Studio Wardrobe can be a high if you discover a great outfit worn by your favorite star in your favorite but now-departed series at an incredibly low price.

Studio Wardrobe Services, 3953 Laurel Grove Ave., Studio City. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Cash or check only. (818) 508-7762.