Publicity for the 256-page paperback stated: Elvis possessed an innate gift for standing apart from the crowd, a trait evident from the very beginning of his career. His long hair, famous sideburns, and bold, colorful wardrobe projected an image that was both distinctive and defiant. As the years passed - particularly during the 1970s - his appearance grew increasingly lavish and, at times, extravagantly so. Fitting for the man who came to be known as the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis adopted a regal style both on and off the stage.
As noted in the first two volumes of 'The King of the Rings', his taste for finery extended far beyond clothing. He adorned himself with an impressive array of jewelry, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories in such abundance that it often seemed he never wore the same combination twice.
Elvis’s desire to surround himself with beautiful things was matched only by his eagerness to give them away. Family members, friends, and even complete strangers became beneficiaries of his extraordinary generosity. Whether driven by a genuine spirit of giving or by the pleasure he found in making others happy, he took great joy in presenting gifts and sharing his good fortune with those around him.
The book is available from >>> Amazon.
Elvis The Fashion Icon Exhibit
Description: The exhibit showcases the creativity and versatility that defined Elvis' approach to fashion, featuring standout pieces from celebrated designers alongside off-the-rack finds he simply loved. Elvis had a bold, unapologetic relationship with style, when he found a look he liked, he wasn't shy about buying it in multiple colors. Mixing patterns and silhouettes came naturally to him, part of what made his personal style so distinctly his own.
What's missing are the famous jumpsuits, which already are the focus of the 'Elvis Dressed to Rock' exhibit that opened in 2022 at Elvis Presley's Memphis. With items from name designers (including his favorite, Bill Belew), from Lansky Brothers on Beale (those hats!), and even from Sears (Elvis' travel tracksuits), 'Elvis: The Fashion Icon' focuses for the most part on the clothes the singer-slash-movie star wore offstage and off-set, which he kept in his large "wardrobe room," upstairs at Graceland.
In the Commercial Appeal Marchese said: "Believe it or not, most of his life, Elvis was standard male mannequin size: 6 feet, with a 32-inch waist."
For the jackets, Marchese created a particularly striking display, which she labels "inside-outside." Because only the exteriors of the jackets can be seen on the mannequin torsos that hold them upright, the wallpaper at the back of each display case reproduces the wild, geometric or sometimes even psychedelic pattern of the jacket's lining.
"He had 5,000 pieces of wardrobe, and only 88 jumpsuits," said Marchese, again indicating the uniqueness of Elvis: Of whom else could it be said that, contrary to expectations, he owned "only" 88 jumpsuits?
More than a style icon, Elvis was a true fashion enthusiast. He loved dressing up, and his enthusiasm for shopping and self-expression comes through in every piece on display. 'Elvis: The Fashion Icon' invites fans to see Elvis not just as a performer, but as a man who genuinely delighted in clothes, his personal wardrobe a reflection of his personality and curiosity.
(Source: Amazon / Graceland / Commercial Appeal)