Elvis Presley’s Graceland is open to the public again after being temporarily shut down due to the pandemic. And now the museum’s Director of Archives Angie Marchese has shared another fascinating Inside the Archives video on Graceland’s official Instagram account. In the latest episode, fans are taken on a deep dive into items related to Bill Belew, the costume designer who worked on many of Elvis’ jumpsuits and clothes.
A caption on the video reads: “Graceland is open again for tours, but we’re back Inside The Archives to give you an exclusive look inside the top-secret facility where Elvis’ personal items are stored.
“In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at items pertaining to Elvis’ relationship with fashion designer and good friend, Bill Belew.
“In June of 1968, Elvis met Bill on the set of his upcoming TV special to go over costume ideas.
“He would then go on to make the black leather outfit and other items Elvis wore in the ’68 NBC Comeback Special.”
READ MORE: Elvis Presley: Graceland celebrates 38th anniversary with NEW video
Fans can see it on display today at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in California.
While the most impressive sketch was one of the outfits Elvis wore for the Madison Square Garden press conference.
The drawing featured different fabric choices for the King to choose from, added by Bill.
Graceland is located in Memphis, Tennessee and is open to tours.
Graceland’s re-opening statement read: “We are so excited to see you back at Elvis Presley’s Graceland! 100+ acres dedicated to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will welcome back guests beginning Thursday, May 21.
“Graceland is committed to the health and safety of our guests and associates and has been working diligently to reconfigure all operations – including tours, retail and restaurants – to meet or exceed social distancing, capacity, and health and safety guidelines. With Mansion tours reduced to 25 per cent capacity, guests will have the unique opportunity to walk in Elvis’ footsteps like never before – in your own personal mansion tour space spread out from other guests.
“The state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex over 200,000-square-feet in size, Elvis Presley’s Memphis offers guests the opportunity to tour the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world in their own space, at their own pace. During the re-opening phase, restaurant capacities will be reduced by 50% and outdoor patio seating will also be available.
“In addition to reduced capacities, Graceland’s new health and safety protocols include all associates wearing masks (guests are encouraged to wear masks, as well), temperature checks for both guests and associates, six feet social distancing markers placed throughout the property, enhanced sanitisation procedures featuring commercial-grade continuous cleaning, hand sanitisation stations and touchless payment options.”