With the title “Fit for a King: The Story of B&K Enterprises"" a television special has been created on the B&K Enterprises costume designers and creators who were involved in the famous jumpsuits Elvis wore.
Television Special synopsis:
“Fit for a King: The Story of B&K Enterprises” is the first TV-show to document the extraordinary story of B&K Enterprises one of the most unique costume shops of its kind in the world. They are internationally acclaimed for their reproductions of sequined jumpsuits, leather pants, embroidered capes, and an exquisite collection of accessories epitomized by Elvis Presley.
“Fit for a King” is an all-American story about childhood sweethearts Butch and Kim Polston who followed their dreams from small town Indiana all the way to Graceland. Butch & Kim Polston have a passion for detail that lead to a working relationship with the original fabulous designers, Bill Belew and Gene Doucette. Together they pay homage to the King with their faithful recreations.
Belew, the designer who created the head-to-toe black-leather look for the 1968 TV special that became known as Presley's "comeback," became a collaborator whom Presley trusted to execute his more and more outrageous style ideas in the 1970s. In 1972 Gene Doucette, started doing the designing on Elvis costumes for Hollywood costume legend Bill Belew.
Gene designed more than 50 elaborate outfits worn by the king of rock & Roll. He has also designed wardrobes for Cher, Bette Midler, Dolly Parton Diana Ross, Carol Burnette, Tina Turner and Muhammad Ali.
Featuring rare video footage, archival photographs of Elvis wearing his amazing outfits, as well as sketches and other original documentation.
“Fit for a King” showcases the risk-taking style that was part of Presley's power as a rock 'n' roll icon and the heartfelt friendships that have evolved from mutual admiration and respect.
Fit For A King: The Story Of B&K Enterprises
May 25, 2007 | Other
Teacher wrote on
May 29, 2007
From the web site of B & K Enterprises:
It is with great honor that Kim and I announce our exclusive licensing agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises. As of September 1, 2006, we started our licensed contract and are recognized by EPE to be the only costume company in the world with the special licensing agreement to recreate both the stage and streetwear once worn by the late Elvis Presley.
We at B & K Enterprises Costume Co., Inc., look forward to working with Elvis Presley Enterprises to bring to Elvis fans and Elvis Tribute Artists alike the best quality recreations of these garments that can be found anywhere in the world. We will continue to provide the same professional quality garments for you, the customer, in the same manner that was utilized to produce Elvis Presley's garments, paying close attention to quality under the watchful eyes of Bill Belew and Gene Doucette--the original designers of these now world famous clothing items.
In addition, in the not too distant future, you will be able to purchase some of these garments as well as recreations of some of Elvis' jewelry that will be produced as costume jewelry in shops directly across the street from Graceland.
Once again, we look forward to working with Elvis Presley Enterprises in bringing to our customers all our products and to assist EPE in creating a positive atmosphere for the Elvis Tribute Artist, as well as bringing fun to the Elvis fans who have made all of this possible. So, it is with honor and pride that we make this announcement. It's truly a unique opportunity to call Elvis Presley your boss!