Woody Shelp millinery files

1973-2002

The Woody Shelp millinery files date from 1973 to 2002 and contain designs and accompanying materials from many theater, film, and television productions, including A Chorus Line (1975), A Doll's Life (1982), La Cage aux Folles (1983), Singin' in the Rain (1983), Titanic (1997), and 101 Dalmatians (1996). The collection covers Shelp's millinery work from 1975 till his retirement.

Each millinery file is arranged alphabetically by production and notes the date of the opening or release as well as the name of the primary designer. The files are comprised of notes, correspondence, designs, fabric swatches, patterns, and photographs that document Shelp's millinery work. The designs were sent to Shelp from the primary designer, and the correspondence provides more details on their orders. Many of the designs place Shelp's millinery work within the context of an entire costume. The notes record the research, measurements, and early creative stages. The fabric swatches add texture and depth to the designs. The patterns outline how the designs were constructed, while the photographs showcase Shelp's final products. There is also a file that contains price lists with total costs of each production.