The B&K Enterprises site states: In 1972, Gene started doing the designing on Elvis Presley’s costumes. Because Gene worked in the background, Bill Belew’s name became synonymous with Elvis Costumes. In the 1970’s, Bill Belew was in big demand. He was busy doing television shows and movies, so he would give Gene the blank suits and Gene would design them himself. Gene designed most of the suits from 1972 until Elvis’ death.
He designed the more elaborate suits such as the Aloha, Peacock, Sundial, Tiger, and American Eagle. The list goes on and on. In the late 1970’s, Pzazz fell on hard times. Gene started his free-lance career working for many different entertainers, television shows, and movies.
Gene Doucette was an independent designer for many leading clothing brands. He was one of the original designers for Elvis Presley's clothing and one of our two mentors. Gene handled the embroidery on Elvis's iconic costumes, as well as for many other artists.
On his work for Elvis: Gene Doucette was one of the original designers and embroidery artists involved in creating the iconic jumpsuits that Elvis Presley wore during his performances in the 1970s. Lauren Ellis, of the Australian ELVIS exhibition explains: “During 1972 Gene Doucette was often left to devise new designs entirely from scratch. In addition to the jumpsuits Gene also decorated the accompanying belts and capes. The belts were manufactured by Winton Belts, who Gene describes as ‘the best in the business’.
Discussing the hugely eclectic range of themes and motifs which appear throughout the studded and embroidered suits he made for Elvis, Gene puts it simply: "I never grew up".
Elements of Native design and traditional First Nations clothing from across North America were sources of inspiration for Gene who has Iroquois ancestry on his mother's side. A personal favorite of Gene's is the dragon suit, which he says he designed combining Chinese and medieval images of dragons while Elvis' "Lava" suit is a masterful example of Doucette's ability of intensive embroidery and stone-work.
Here are some of the most famous jumpsuits Doucette worked on:
1. The American Eagle / Aloha Jumpsuit (1973) – This jumpsuit, designed for Elvis' famous Aloha from Hawaii concert, is perhaps the most famous of all. The white jumpsuit with an eagle in red, blue, and gold became an iconic symbol of Elvis's later career.
2. The Peacock Jumpsuit (1974) – One of the most expensive jumpsuits Elvis ever wore. The design featured a detailed peacock in beautiful colors, with embroidery that symbolized the extravagance of his stagewear.
3. The Dragon Jumpsuit (1974) – This striking jumpsuit, with a dragon stretching across the suit, highlighted Elvis's interest in Eastern art and symbolism. The dragon represented strength and was a powerful stage piece.
4. The Tiger Jumpsuit (1974) – Another iconic piece was the jumpsuit with a large tiger embroidered across the chest and shoulders. This design highlighted Elvis's energetic and dynamic stage performances.
5. The Flame Jumpsuit (1976) – This design featured fiery flames that seemed to shoot up from the bottom of the jumpsuit, perfectly matching Elvis's fiery personality and performance on stage.
Gene Doucette's attention to detail and expert embroidery made these costumes not only legendary but also timeless symbols of Elvis's style and music history.
The Sundial Jumpsuit was one of the last and most famous costumes Elvis Presley wore, especially during his final tour in 1977. This white jumpsuit, designed by Gene Doucette, featured a large embroidered sundial design on the front and back, with colorful stones and details that made it striking and unique.
The sundial motif might symbolize time and its inevitable end, which some fans see as a tragic premonition, as this was one of the last outfits Elvis wore before his death in August 1977.
The Sundial Suit is a lasting reminder of the final phase of Elvis's career and is often associated with his last public appearances.
Magic Vinyl Box
The Music on Vinyl record label released the triple LP set 'Magic Vinyl Box' featuring the 3 previously LP's 'Elvis Presley' (original debut album), 'Songbook with Friends' and 'G. I. in Germany'.
You can pre-order the box on >>> Amazon (associate link)
(Source: B&K Enterprises Costume Co Inc / Amazon / Pascal Matteo / Various)