Kathern Kinsey makes a living with old clothing

12:20 AM, Mar 5, 2010   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +
  • This belt buckle was work by Bridges character "Bad Blake"
  • Kathern Kinsey has been working on movies for several years.
  • This watch was worn by Collin Farrell.
    

In a warehouse somewhere in Garland County is a collection of antiques and old clothes. From luggage to letter jackets, Kathern Kinsey's collection even includes vintage lingerie.

What started as a bit of an obsession has turned into a lucrative business for Kinsey, providing authentic period clothing for big-time Hollywood movies.

"Now I'm a costumer, "says Kinsey. "I'm not a costume designer. Technically, I'm a costume house or a vendor. But they use me for more, much more than that."

Kinsey's collection includes jewelry and accessories used in the movie "Crazy Heart". The scenes Jeff Bridges wore one belt buckle are carefully noted just in case re-shoots are needed.

Co-star Collin Farrell wore one of Kinsey's watches in several scenes. And Hollywood heavyweight Robert Duvall wore one of her belts.

Even the shirts worn by Bridges' character Bad Blake came from Kinsey's collection.

Kinsey often travels to the set location with loads of clothes. And granddaughter Ali ships out any last minute additions or changes.
Most are sorted by the years they were popular. And Kinsey has patterns and research materials for the really old items.

"My oldest book is from 1840-something, "says Kinsey.

Costumes and accessories used in the Tom Cruise movie "Last Samurai" came from Kinsey's endless racks of clothing. So did clothing used in the gangster film "Road to Perdition.

Kinsey's already working on another production. But the movie's name is still a secret.

Kinsey winks, "I can tell you Kris Kristopherson is going to be in it."

So keep a close eye on the big screen. You never know, that piece of jewelry, or that belt buckle, or a particular dress might just have a home in Kathern's amazing collection.