Star Wardrobe : Apparel worn in motion pictures and on television finds new bodies to adorn at It’s A Wrap! in Burbank.
One more bonus of living in Southern California: access to studio wardrobe. The last few years, we have been able to purchase apparel worn in motion pictures and on television at The Retake Room in Studio City, Star Wears in Santa Monica, A Star Is Worn in West Hollywood, and now, It’s A Wrap! in Burbank.
On a recent Saturday, the place was jammed, particularly by men. The offerings for men outweigh the women’s apparel, and it’s all good stuff. On this day, a great portion of the inventory was from television series, mainly soaps such as “General Hospital.” A “Knots Landing” wardrobe was due.
As anyone who has watched daytime serials knows, the clothing worn by the actors is usually terrific. The men are attired in top designers’ offerings. Usually an outfit has been worn once, maybe twice, but sometimes it hasn’t been worn at all. Bill Blass, Armani, Perry Ellis and Hugo Boss items were selling at a fraction of what you would pay for them new. Suits range from $50 to $300, with most of them from $75 to $100.
In the women’s department, there were a few custom-made items, but since production companies these days purchase ready-made apparel, most of the pieces on the racks carry designer labels bought at local department stores and boutiques.
It would be hard not to be tempted by the women’s apparel. There were great blouses by Ann Klein for $35, by Ellen Tracy for $20, and by Esprit for $10, and a gorgeous custom-made silk blouse for $30. A beautiful four-piece outfit by Oscar de la Renta that probably retailed new for around $1,000 was marked $175. Occasionally, you’ll find multiple items, like a dozen black felt fedoras worn in a Michael Jackson production number, priced at $15 each.
There are some very unusual pieces of apparel worn in various productions that add some magic to the store. For instance, there are some dazzling pieces for children designed by Bob Mackie, one of them a beaded dress made for Drew Barrymore.
On the patio in the rear of the main store are the super bargains, way above thrift-store quality, but with prices even better than at a thrift store. Men’s suits are $10, and one rack of separates for $3 each was drawing a happy crowd.
My only problem with It’s A Wrap! is that a lot of the items are not tagged. Manager Tiara Hallman says the merchandise comes in and out so fast that sometimes there’s not time enough to get everything marked. But Tiara and her mother, Jan, are on the floor and will be happy to let you know the prices and the production or studio they come from. Also, as with all studio wardrobe sources, the size range is limited. It seems that all actresses are sizes 2 to 12.
This is the kind of store you have to visit on a regular basis so you can pounce on whatever appeals to you, because it won’t last long.
WHERE TO SHOP
What: It’s A Wrap! Production Wardrobe Sales, 2705 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Cards: Visa, MasterCard.
Call: (818) 567-7366.
