Vionnet worn by Mrs. Palmer Potter II
In case you haven’t been, the Chicago History Museum is currently hosting one of the most fabulous exhibits in the city, one that appeals to vintage fashion appreciators of all ages. Chic Chicago, curated by the worthy Timothy Long, who also hosted a number of tours throughout the city in conjunction with the exhibit, is drawing to a close this summer, so now would be a great time to check it out. Visiting this exhibit as a vintage enthusiast – or indeed any fashion enthusiast – is something akin to a Shakespeare fan visiting the Globe Theatre.
The exhibit features over 50 pieces of vintage couture once worn by the female movers and shakers of our city, including Mrs. Potter Palmer II and Anita Carolyn Blair. The pieces date back as far as 1861 and encompass the evolution of Chicago fashion up until 2008, from corseted and bustled Charles Frederick Worth to avant-garde Comme de Garçons.
The couture itself is nothing less than stunning. Older pieces by Emile Pingat and Worth and Bobergh are as detailed as a Fabergé Egg and have been perfectly preserved by those at the History Museum. Even more interesting, however, are the stories behind the gowns. When Anita Carolyn Blair wore a groundbreaking Paul Poiret gown to her friend’s debut ball she caused quite a stir – the gown was the first couture piece designed to be worn without a corset. Chicago fashionistas were making waves long before Milan or New York.
Most importantly, the Chicago elite wore these fantastic and sometimes shocking garments in an attempt to transform the city around them. Wearing Lanvin to the Court of Saint James or Vionnet when meeting the Queen of England spoke volumes about one’s hometown – I don’t come from an industrialized gangland, I come from a city of culture and sophistication. In truth, the city was an eclectic mix of both, but these gowns do their best to suggest otherwise.
Chic Chicago will be running through July 26 and the museum is free on Mondays, so go get a history lesson of the chicest variety.
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., 312.642.4600
All photos courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
For more info: www.chicagohistory.org
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