Whether you’re a Tourist or a Townie, there’s always something different and fun to do in the Los Angeles area.  But the cost of fun in the City of Angels can add up fast.  Below is number 1 in a series of 25 things to do in Los Angeles that will cost $25 or less.

Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man.  Naked people have little or no influence on society.”  Perhaps this is true, with the exception of Hans Christian Andersen’s emperor, who paraded about wearing “invisible” clothes.  Only a child dared to speak the truth.

Much like actors in the movies, what we wear tells others what role we play in society, at least on the surface.  For millennia (and in some eyes, since Adam and Eve), humans have worn clothes that reflect their stature in society, their aspirations, affectations and affiliations.  Paris, Milan, Madison Avenue and Hollywood have driven desires for the average Jane and Joe to dress like royalty, supermodels and celebrities.

Have you ever wanted to see the costumes famous actors wore in Oscar-winning movies?  Not on film, but up close and in person?  No, you don’t need to have special connections or money and influence.  You can view some of Hollywood’s most significant fashion history through a unique lens at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum (FIDM) in downtown Los Angeles.

Admission to the museum is free and open to the public only during exhibitions.  Past exhibits have included textiles, paintings and sculptures, and original haute couture designer collections from Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace, Miuccia Prada and many others.  The Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition showcases costumes from films of the current year, including many Oscar-winning designs.

The FIDM Museum’s Larson Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday only, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and is located at 919 S. Grand Avenue.  Check the FIDM exhibitions page for information about off-site and upcoming exhibitions.

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 1

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 2

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 3

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 4

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 5

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 6

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 7

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 8

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 9

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 10

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 11

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 12

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 13

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 14

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 15

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 16

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 17

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 18

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 19

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 20

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 21

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 22

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 23

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 24

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 25