An exhibition titled Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915 celebrates the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s (Lacma) groundbreaking acquisition of a major collection of European men’s, women’s, and children’s garments and accessories.

The exhibition tells the story of fashion’s aesthetic and technical development from the Age of Enlightenment to World War I. It examines sweeping changes in fashionable dress spanning a period of over 200 years, and evolutions in luxurious textiles, exacting tailoring techniques, and lush trimmings.

Highlights include an 18th century man’s vest intricately embroidered with powerful symbolic messages relevant to the French Revolution; an evening mantle with silk embroidery, glass beads, and ostrich feathers designed by French couturier Émile Pingat (active 1860-96); and spectacular three-piece suits and gowns worn at the royal courts of Europe.

The exhibition is curated by Sharon S. Takeda, senior curator and department head, and Kaye D. Spilker, curator, LACMA’s costume and textiles department.

This exhibition was organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The acquisition was made possible by Atelier, Lacma’s acquisitions committee for Costumes and Textiles. Atelier raises critical funds to support acquisitions for Lacma’s Costume and Textiles Department, allowing the museum to take advantage of opportunities when rare collections or special objects become available. (Source: www.lacma.org)