San Diego Historical Society celebrated its 20th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 outfits at the Museum in Balboa Park. Guest curated by Timothy A. Long, pieces largely came from the SD Historical Society's 7000 piece costume collection and also included several items on loan. The pieces on display date from 1876 to 2009 and include haute couture gowns and day ensembles. Each piece is shown with information about the woman that wore the outfit and on what occasion it was worn adding personality and context to the presentation. For example, a Christian Dior red wool crepe afternoon suit 1957 and a black wool afternoon suit by Dior 1957 were worn by Catherine Fogg. Marilyn Pavel wore an exquisite black silk velvet gown with gold embroidery by Oscar de la Renta 1990.
I was particularly taken by a Jacques Fath 1953 evening gown in lace and silk taffeta, an Emilio Pucci 1972 silk organdy gown, the 1897 burgundy silk brocade and velvet outfit made by Ora Bally McCuthan (shown above) and several dresses by British designer and current San Diego resident Zandra Rhodes. Sadly, no photos were allowed in the exhibit but on offer were witty take-away cards shown above which included one's fashion forecast!
The show continues until April 1, 2010.
San Diego Style at San Diego Historical Society Museum
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-6203
