1940s L.A. Gang Member - the first black gangs were formed in reaction to southern-California “anti-minority gangs” -- largely comprised by war veterans -- such as the “Hell’s Angels” and the Los Angeles-based “Spook Hunters” who began carrying out violent attacks against predominantly-black-and-Hispanic communities.

Explore Authentic Zoot Suits 1940s Stock Photos & Images For Your Project Or Campaign. Less Searching, More Finding With Getty Images.

In 2011, the costume and textiles department collaborated with theatrical costume designer and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo professor, Thomas John Bernard, to recreate selected garment patterns of historic dress displayed in LACMA’s recent costume exhibition, Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700–1915 (2010–2011). The aim of this online project, “Undertaking the Making: LACMA Costume and Textiles Pattern Project,” was to offer free downloadable patterns of fashions in the permanent…

Ruth E. Carter received an Oscar nomination for her costume designs for "Malcolm X".

This suit consisted of high waisted, wide-legged, pegged trousers, and a long knee length coat. People wore this as declarations of freedom in an act of rebellion.

Free pattern download - Zoot Suit, 1940–1942. A garment pattern of this extant zoot suit, which illustrates just how its extreme, larger-than-life proportions were created, available for free download.