The offered "Oxford Clothes" grey 1960's style men's suit was worn by Will Smith portraying Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film Ali. Will Smith wears the suit in several scenes in the film, most memorably during Ali's famous interview with sportscaster Howard Cosell. played by Jon Voight. The suit is custom made for a large man, as Smith bulked up to play the boxing legend. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination in 2002. The suit is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from The Golden Closet. The suit emanates from Palace Costume Company, which has provided wardrobe for film and television productions for decades. The letter reads:
ALI-1960's Grey Suit Worn by Will Smith as "Muhammad Ali" This suit was worn by the character "Muhammad Ali" portrayed by actor Will Smith, in the 2001 biopic, "Ali." The 1960's style two-piece charcoal grey sharkskin suit was custom made by "Oxford Clothes" specifically for Will Smith. The interior Oxford Clothes labels with "Muhammad Ali" clearly typed, are sewn into both garments. Mr. Smith wears this suit during a phone interview regarding his views on the Vietnam War and during the television interview with sports journalist "Howard Cosell" (Jon Voight). Will Smith received the 2002 Academy Award nomination for the best actor in a leading role for his performance as Muhammad Ali. These garments are in excellent screen used condition.
The letter is signed by Palace Costume Company CEO Melody Barnett. Palace Costume was contracted to provide wardrobe for the film. LOAs from The Golden Closet are some of the most respected in the world of entertainment wardrobe, costumes and props. Starting in the the late 1940s, Golden Closet CEO Breanna Livie's grandfather, Charles James, worked as a costumer for the major studios for over 40 years. After many of the studios disbanded and sold off their costume and wardrobe departments in the 1970s, James and Breanna's father, James Livie, formed Costume Rentals Corporation, one of the first independent movie costume companies. And in 1990, James Livie formed Eastern Costume Company. In 1996, having gained her own extensive experience and familiarity with wardrobe and prop departments through her family, Breanna founded The Golden Closet.
The tags in the jacket's interior pocket and the pants interior read "Oxford Clothes MUHAMMAD ALI." and the order number information on the tag has a date of "12/01/00," which aligns with the film's production that began in January 2001. Both pieces also have a "PALACE COSTUME CO." UPC inventory sticker. The suit exhibits expected wear from film use, but has no damage.