The outfit was so valuable that Elvis' notorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker, always had it specially transported in an armoured car under armed guard.

Elvis's association with Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is another dimension of his illustrious career. The Elvis Presley Viva Las Vegas Cardboard Cutout pays tribute to his connection with this vibrant city. "Viva Las Vegas" is not only the title of one of his hit songs but also the name of a popular movie he starred in alongside Ann-Margret. The actual suit is owned by EPE/Graceland, but as mentioned above, the original belt and cape are still in private hands. Are you an Elvis enthusiast or planning an event that needs a touch of class and nostalgia? Look no further than the Elvis Gold Suit Cardboard Cutout from Star Cutouts. This life-sized representation of Elvis in his famous gold suit is a fantastic addition to any gathering. Here are some creative ways to make the most of this standout piece:Elvis first wore the suit in late February or March 1957 for a photo shoot, and then wore it on stage for the first time in Chicago on March 28, 1957, and continued to wear the suit throughout 1957. Born in Crocet, Va. on May 20, 1931, Belew served in the Army from 1952 to 1954, a stint that included working as a clerk in a medical unit during the Korean War. Colonel Tom Parker went to Nudie Cohn, of Nudie’s Tailors in North Hollywood, to create this ensemble for Elvis. Being known for creating over-the-top costumes for Hank Snow, it seemed Nudie was up to the task. That gold lamé suit turns 60 years old this year, but it looks as brilliant as ever – and it has a new home at Graceland’s new entertainment complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis. But more on that in a bit.

Another popular costume was the Aloha Eagle Suit, which Presley wore on “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii,” a 1973 global television concert broadcast via satellite. Two almost identical versions were made of this suit, which were both worn during the 'Aloha shows'. Apparently, the suit Elvis wore during the rehearsal show was slightly bigger. It's also the version Elvis wore later on tour (and in Vegas) in 1973 and 1974. When you compare the suit Elvis is wearing on all the known pictures, to the one that is on display at Graceland nowadays, there is a difference. The head of the bird is completely different... which would either mean that there were two slightly different versions of the suit, or the head of the bird was altered (ie. nail's added) when Elvis wore the suit for the last time(s) in 1973 (in Las Vegas August/September??) I wanted the clothes to be easy and seductive,” he said in the 1999 interview. “And I never wanted anything to compromise his masculinity.” Elvis pushed gender boundaries throughout his career, famously making floral prints cool in the Sixties when he wore a red hibiscus shirt for the movie Blue Hawaii. Prada, Dior, and Saint Laurent have all since adapted the Aloha style.One of the most recognisable symbols of his legacy is the legendary gold lamé suit. Let's delve into the history and significance of this iconic outfit and how you can add a touch of Elvis's glamour to your next event with the Elvis Gold Suit Cardboard Cutout from Star Cutouts. Nudie, a flamboyant country and western tailor, was famous for putting rhinestones on clothing for many country stars of the day. Colonel Parker, inspired by a gold costume that Liberace wore, told him: “I want you to make something for him [Elvis] that’s out-of-this-world spectacular.”

Belew had already worked on a Petula Clark special with producer-director Steve Binder when Binder asked him to do the wardrobe for the hourlong Presley show. The Colonel decided that his golden boy needed a golden suit, and so he commissioned Nudie (at left with Elvis) to fashion a gold-leaf tuxedo for Elvis to wear on stage during his personal appearances in 1957. The material Nudie chose for the gold clothing was lamé, which involves wrapping thin ribbons of metallic material around a fabric yarn. In the fifties, the process was most commonly used for fancy eveningwear and theatrical costumes. The most common colors of such garments were gold and silver. An issue with lamé is that the yarn tends to slip and separate with frequent usage, a weakness that, in the end, would prove the undoing of the Presley ensemble.

THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF GRACELAND

The suit will take pride of place alongside all of the other personal items which are already on display. Nowadays EPE/Graceland has both of the suits, one of the (three) capes, and the 'third belt'. A private collector (LM) owns one of the capes, as well as one of the first two belts, apparently also Ed Parker has one of the capes & belts on his possession. Also the original long cape is in private hands. It was sold during one of EPE's auctions.