Disney Movie Wardrobe
The 2010 Disney film “Secretariat” was based on the true story of Penny Chenery (then Tweedy), a housewife and mother who agreed to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stable. The screenplay was inspired by the book “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion” written by acclaimed journalist and author William Nack. Both Ms. Chenery and Mr. Nack were given cameo appearances in the film to the delight of Big Red racing fans.
While the film’s wardrobe representing the the 1970s time period made for a unique and colorful bunch of extras, it was important to commingle the era's distinctive fashion with a more streamlined, classic look of the affluent horse set. Selecting the wardrobe for the film's star Diane Lane, costume designer Julie Weiss chose a palette and silhouette that were more reminiscent of Brooks Brothers and Jackie Onassis. Enjoy this selection of original costumes worn by actors Diane Lane, John Malkovich, and AJ Michalka in its highly anticipated Hollywood production.
Diane Lane as Penny Tweedy - Family Dinner Scene Dress
This costume was worn by the character Penny Chenery (then Tweedy), portrayed by actress Diane Lane in the 2010 motion picture “Secretariat,” during the sequence depicting Penny and her family after she had assumed control of her late father’s stable. In the casual dinner scene at the Tweedys' Colorado home, Penny explains that she may have to miss the opening of daughter Kate's play in order to attend her first horse race in New York, but promises to catch the first available return flight home. The outfit consists of a blue and white sleeveless cotton dress with pleated skirt and white bow at the neck. Currently on display at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.
Diane Lane - Coin Toss Scene Skirt and Jacket
Original lapel pin worn during coin toss scene and featured throughout the film. The specially cast 14K gold pin was designed from Penny Chenery's actual family brooch.
This costume was worn by the character Penny Tweedy, portrayed by actress Diane Lane in the 2010 motion picture "Secretariat." Ms. Lane wore this outfit in the notable scene with Ogden Phipps (James Cromwell) and Bull Hancock (Fred Robertson) where Penny competes in a coin toss to determine the first pick and ultimate ownership in the forthcoming offspring resulting from the pair of matings between Bold Ruler, the stallion owned by Phipps and Penny's own Meadow Stable mares. Penny confides in her brother Hollis (Dylan Baker) that she hopes to get the unborn foal of Somethingroyal who would become Secretariat. Phipps wins the toss and chooses the foal born to Hasty Matelda, thereby granting Penny her wish.
The two-piece outfit is constructed of charcoal gray wool with red and white hash mark pattern and consists of wool sheath dress with red trim at the neck and matching jacket with leather front and cuff buttons.
"When you see that Diane (Lane) has become the character of Penny, you see it way before the cameras roll. You see it happen when a costume comes together."
~ Julie Weiss - "Secretariat" Costume Designer
A. J. Michalka - Protest/Phone Call Scene Skirt and Blouse
This costume was worn by the character Kate Tweedy, portrayed by actress A. J. Michalka in the 2010 motion picture “Secretariat” during the scene where Kate and her hippie friends are busy preparing for a protest march. Her mother Penny (Diane Lane) calls her long distance from a payphone to tell her that she's proud of her despite the political differences they may have.
The outfit consists of a Star of India brown, blue, and cream pattern vintage blouse with string ties at the neck, and a vintage red cotton floral pattern skirt by Carroll Reed.
John Malkovich - Belmont Ball Scene Tuxedo Outfit
This costume was worn by the character Lucien Laurin, portrayed by actor John Malkovich in the 2010 motion picture “Secretariat,” during the sequence at the Belmont Ball when Lucien greets Secretariat’s owner “Penny Tweedy” (Diane Lane) on the evening prior to the Belmont Stakes. The outfit consists of a custom-made black tuxedo jacket with soutache braid trim, pair of matching pants, and a white After Six tuxedo shirt with gray edged ruffles and black diamond patterns on the front. The vintage jacket and pants were custom made by Studio City Clothes and have the tailoring label sewn inside with the date “Aug. 18, 1961” written in faded ink. Currently on display at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.