The Famous $10,000 Gold Lame Nudie Suit

In late 1956, Colonel Tom Parker hatched a plan with Nudie to make a very special suit for Elvis Presley. The Colonel and Nudie were great friends, and went back quite a few years as Parker managed Hank Snow before exploiting the talents of young Elvis. Nudie made Hank some pretty wild and spectacular suits, and had already worked with Elvis on the costumes for "Loving You", but the Colonel had something in mind that would make history.

Elvis was just starting to really sell records in 1956 with Houndog, Love Me Tender, and Heartbreak Hotel going gold. He was the Golden Boy, and Nudie decided he needed a Golden Nudie Suit. Instead of a cowboy cut, he opted for a modified hepcat tuxedo style with a shawl collar and cuffs covered in rhinestones. A nice ruffled shirt with gold tie, a gold rhinestone belt, and gold kid shoes completed the ensemble.

As spectacular as the suit was, Nudie and the Colonel (huckster showmen that they were), added a gimmick. The suit would be valued at an astounding $10,000. Nudie would later joke that $9,500 was pure profit, and the actual bill of sale for the suit was for $2,500 -- but the suit would officially be touted as the Famous $10,000 Gold Lame Suit.

Elvis wore the whole suit for photos, and only a time or two in concert. It was so heavy and constricting that Elvis took to matching the gold lame jacket with black pants so that he could really move in his signature style.

The one and only original $10,000 Gold Lame Nudie Suit is safe on display at Graceland in the Hall of Gold.

Nudie was 55 years old when he made his most famous creation, and he took full advantage of the fame it brought him. This film clip from 1957 shows Elvis singing "Hound Dog" in Tupelo, Mississippi before adoring, screaming fans. It is one of the most famous film clips of the 20th century. Pay careful attention for the split second the camera shows Gladys in the audience -- it is priceless.