Historical Costume Collection

This summer exhibition examines the intersection between art and fashion from the 1920's to the present. Garments include a cotton printed day dress that was 1955 collaboration between Claire McCardell and Marc Chagall. The cartoon-like floral print of a 1968 Pauline Trigere evening gown echoes the Pop Art movement of the time. Simple, brightly colored 1960's day dresses by Norman Norell express the Minimalist aesthetic of that period.

This collection of garments was organized by Curator Elizabeth Gaston with assistance from students Lindsey Belfield, Kelsey Garfoot, Arielle Pratt, Amy Radosevich, and Jessica Schroder. Art in Fashion continues throughout the year, changing every three months.

The Friends of Fashion will host two receptions with lectures. See details.

Friday, March 23, 2012 - Reception and Lecture
Fashion Illustration techniques demonstrated by Steven Stipleman.
5:30 p.m.

On left, rose printed 1965 paper dress by Poster Art. Center, 1955 cotton dress by American fashion designer Claire McCardell. The textile design is by Marc Chagall. In that year, McCardell collaborated with artists such as Picasso, Dufy, and Chagall who produced designs for the textiles. Gift of Alice Traxel. On right, 1984 cotton dress by Lillie Rubin. Fabric print is inspired by the 1950s paper cut-outs of Henri Matisse. Gift of Joanne Murphy.

Previous Exhibits at Mount Mary College

• Signature Style - 2010 to 2011 (at right)
  
• Fashionable Milwaukee - 2009 to 2010
  
• Chic Shapes: The Architecture of Fashion - 2008 to 2009
  
• All the World's a Stage - 2007 to 2008
  
• Designed by Women:
  Fashions from 1900 to the present - 2006 to 2007
  
• The Designer's Eye: The Historic Costume Collection of Charles Kliebacker - 2005 to 2006 (lower right)
  
• Fantasy of Nature: Fashion, Flora and Fauna - 2004 to 2005
  
• Looking the Part: Lynn Fontanne - 2003 to 2004

About the Historical Costume Collection

The Mount Mary College Historic Costume Collection serves as an educational, scholarly, and artistic resource for Mount Mary students and the Milwaukee community. The Collection preserves and exhibits historically significant garments and accessories, as well as fashion art, tools and periodicals. The collection's strength lies in its holdings of 20th century women's couture and ready-to-wear garments.

With over 9,000 pieces dating from 1750 to the present donated by local, national, and international sources, the Collection includes pieces from notable women with Wisconsin ties such as the chanteuse Hildegarde, designer Florence Eiseman, and actress Lynn Fontanne. Complimenting the collection are various garments from designers Chanel, Patou, Adrian, Irene, Charles James, Madame Gres and Karl Lagerfeld.

The Historic Costume Collection is supported by the Friends of Fashion, a philanthropic group which raises funds for the preservation of the Collection. Become a Friend of Fashion; contact (414) 443-3639. Questions regarding private tours, in-kind or financial contributions can be directed to the curator, Elizabeth Gaston.

The Fashion Department annually rotates the display in the Walter and Olive Stiemke Memorial Hall on the second floor of Notre Dame Hall. The exhibit is free and open to the public, however, the space is often reserved for meetings so please call ahead to ensure viewing is a possibility, (414) 258-4810.