Hollywood has now come to London. A new exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum called Hollywood Costumes aims to highlight the pivotal role costumes play in bringing characters to life.

The exhibition covers Hollywood filmmaking from 1912 to 2012 and displays the costumes of 100 of the most iconic characters from Charlie Chaplin to Avatar.

The exhibition is spread across three galleries which throws light on the different aspect of costume designing. For instance, Deconstruction puts viewers in the shoes of the costume designer and illuminates the process of designing a character from script to screen; Dialogue examines the key collaborative role of the costume designer within the creative team; and Finale celebrates the most beloved characters in the history of Hollywood, a press release stated.

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For instance, the persona of Charlie Chaplin, one of the greatest comedians of all times, is highlighted with his derby and cane and these articles are also on display at the exhibition. Charlie Chaplin suit, hat, boots and cane that was used in the 1915 film Tramp is the oldest costume that is on display.

Similarly, The Wizard of Oz character Dorothy’s blue and white pinafore is also another iconic item on exhibit. The costume is worth millions and has been loaned by an Englishwoman who lives in Dubai and keeps it in a bank vault, according to Express.co.uk.

Dorothy’s ruby slippers are also on loan from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. It is the first time the slippers are being displayed outside of the U.S. and the footwear will be flown back to the States just in time for Thanskgiving, when The Wizard of Oz is traditionally televised, Express.co.uk reported.

Hollywood Costumes also explore the fashion trends of the 60s with the help of screen sex symbols such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Barbara Streisand.

Many of these costumes have never been displayed outside the studios and therefore, it is a good opportunity for Hollywood movie lovers to explore how costumes have given life to their favorite characters.