Dead Celebrity Alert

PALM SPRINGS, California (AP) — Costume designer Bill Belew, who created Elvis Presley’s jumpsuits and the tight black leather outfit he wore on his 1968 television special, has died. He was 76.

Belew died January 7 at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs after battling diabetes, his longtime companion, Paul Dafelmair, told the Los Angeles Times.

In his nearly 50-year career, Belew designed costumes for many stars of stage, screen and television, ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Gloria Estefan.

But it is his work with Presley for which Belew will be best remembered. … Read full obituary

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