Calling all fashionistas! A new “High Style” fashion exhibition is debuting at the Cincinnati Art Museum on Nov. 7. There are lots of events coming up surrounding it, so I included all those details below! This is definitely a must-see if you’re interested in learning about the evolution of fashion and the fashion industry!
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Fashion’s evolution showcased in High Style: Twentieth Century Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection
Cincinnati Art Museum, November 7, 2015 – January 24, 2016
CINCINNATI – October 7, 2015 –High Style: Twentieth Century Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection opens at the Cincinnati Art Museum on Nov. 7. This landmark exhibition of garments and accessories from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art features the most influential European and American designers of the 20th century.
High Style traces the work of early couturiers and the evolution of fashion and the fashion industry from 1900 to 1980. The exhibition will showcase a wide range of pieces on 65 mannequins, alongside 35 accessories, including hats and shoes, and related fashion sketches.
A section of the exhibition devoted to the great American couturier Charles James includes 25 objects—nine ensembles, 12 sketches, and four prototype muslins that illuminate the technical mastery behind James’s highly constructed gowns. Four of these gowns are enhanced by digital animations, which analyze the form and structure of the garments. These were originally created by the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro for the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition: Charles James: Beyond Fashion.
Other highlights include Elsa Schiaparelli’s 1938 surrealist necklace of brightly colored tin insects, and a 1949 tiger-striped silk ball gown by Gilbert Adrian. Examples by some of the most important names in fashion including Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Halston will be on display. Additional attention will be given to the pioneering generation of American women designers working in the 1930s through 1950s.
“This exhibition brings to Cincinnati examples by some of the most important fashion designers of the 20th century from the one of the oldest and most distinguished American collections. It is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase these quintessential fashions and tell the story of the designers behind them. These men and women were artists whose clothes were the ultimate expression of style for those who wore them,” said Cynthia Amnéus, Chief Curator and Curator of Fashion Arts at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
High Style is made possible by the collection-sharing partnership, initiated in 2009 by the Brooklyn Museum that established the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Brooklyn Collection, now a part of the Met’s Costume Institute, includes the most comprehensive assemblage of pieces by American fashion designers, and the definitive holdings of Charles James designs and archival materials. High Style celebrates this collaborative partnership by presenting selected highlights from the collection, which was formed in 1903 and carefully developed over the course of the 20th century.
Organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition was originally on view at the Brooklyn Museum in 2010, and was curated by Jan Glier Reeder, now consulting curator for the Brooklyn Collection at The Costume Institute. at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Recently on view at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s Legion of Honor, the Cincinnati Art Museum is the only other venue.
Cincinnati Art Museum’s exhibition, sponsored by Macy’s, will be on view in the Western & Southern Gallery on the second floor (Galleries 232 and 233). Admission to the exhibition is free.
Image credit: Gilbert Adrian (American, 1903-1959), Dinner Dress, ca. 1948, Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Janet Gaynor Adrian, 1963 (2009.300.319) Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
About the Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is supported by the generosity of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Cincinnati Art Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Cincinnati Art Museum gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Cincinnati, as well as our members.
General admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum is always free. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is closed Monday.
HIGH STYLE PROGRAMMING AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Please visit http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org or call 513-721-ARTS for reservations, tickets or more information.
Lecture: Homer Layne–Charles James: Beyond Fashion
November 8, 2 p.m.:
The Decorative Arts Society presents a lecture by Homer Layne, last trusted assistant to American couturier, Charles James, whose sculptural gowns were worn by the wealthiest women in the United States in the mid-20th century. Layne is dedicated to preserving James’ material legacy. Free. Reservations Not Required.
InDepth Gallery Experience: Cynthia Amneus, Chief Curator and Curator of Fashion Arts and Textiles
November 14, 2 p.m.
This expanded gallery talk will provide comprehensive information and insight into the fashions and designers featured in High Style.. FREE. Reservations required.
Wee Wednesday: Play Dress Up
November 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.:
Perfect for ages 2–5. Our popular “open house” program for preschoolers and their parents offers interactive learning stations in the galleries, story tellers, and a hands-on art project each month. Free. Reservations Not Required.
Lecture: Beyond the Seams, Jan Reeder, consulting curator, Brooklyn Museum Costume
December 6, 2 p.m.
Lecture by Jan Reeder, now consulting curator at The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and curator of High Style.
Art in the Making: Art in the Making: Pattern Making
December 19, 1–3 p.m.
Designed for children ages 6–12 accompanied by an adult. Select local artists make it fun by leading interactive classes that include a gallery tour and hands-on art activity. Reservations Recommended. $20 per pair general admission $10 per pair members ($6/$3 for each additional person)
Baby Tours: So Shiny
December 18, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
30-minute experience to introduce you and your infant (ages 0-2) to the world of art with a tour. FREE. Reservations recommended.
ASL Tours for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: High Style
December 19, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
A certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter joins an Art Museum docent each month for a free tour of one of our special exhibitions. FREE. Reservations required.
Creative Encounters: Fashion
December 20, 1–3 p.m.
Each Creative Encounter will feature a visiting artist who will lead a tour of works in the Art Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions, followed by a discussion of his/her own work. Each event will culminate in a hands-on project. Reservations required. $10 general admission, $5 for members and college students
Family First Saturday: So Stylish
January 2, 12–4 p.m.
Family-friendly performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities. FREE.
Evening for Educators: High Style: Fashion in the Classroom
January 20, 4–7 p.m. (registration and refreshments 4-5 p.m., program begins at 5 p.m.)
Monthly teacher professional development program. Cost: members $10; non-members $20; students $5
Connect: A Multisensory Museum Experience for Adults with Developmental Disabilities – Fashion
January 23, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This program is specifically designed for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. A multisensory exploration of art from the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions, followed by art making projects. FREE. Reservations required.
