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Frocks that Rock

by Robyn Farrell Roulo

Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum

Chicago History Museum

1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

September 27, 2008 - July 26, 2009

Chicago is famous for many things: blustering winters, deep dish pizza, cross-town rivalry and home to America's first family, but true Chicagoans know that there is much more to our city than the weather and our President. The struggle to shed stereotypes and perceptions of Chicago is a daunting task that has been shared by many generations. From the great fire of 1871 to the bloody stockyards of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (1906) and the infamous riots of 1968, the city of big shoulders has had a lot to prove. "Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum" presents the female effort to break down these stereotypes with style and sophistication. On view until July 26^th, the exhibition shows that the wardrobe of Chicago women is as impressive as the city's skyline. The highlights from the museum's collection create a visual timeline of fashion from 1861 to today.

Left: Callot Soeurs, Evening gown, c. 1928, silk charmeuse, pearl, metallic thread. (Image Courtesy of Chicago History Museum)

"Chic Chicago" consists of sixty gems from the museum's collection of over 50,000 items. The creations featured date back to the gilded age of fashion with examples of court gowns, flapper dresses, mod evening attire and haute couture originals. Held in The Pritzker Foundation Special Exhibition Wing, "Chic" was organized by Tim Long, the curator of costume for the Chicago History Museum, and Dr. Valerie Steele from the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology (a selection of the show was previously on view at FIT in New York City from October 2007 to January 2008). Each piece on display was chosen with great thought and consideration, holding immense significance to fashion history. The gowns demonstrate both the breadth of the Museum's costume collection and innovation of the women who wore them. The dimly lit galleries of the Chicago History Museum shine with silhouettes of satin, silk, glass beads and rhinestones. The garments are displayed like works of art created by some of the most talented couturiers and fashion icons.

Right: Madeleine Vionnet, Gown, 1938, smoke-gray chiffon, rhinestones

and silver beads. (Image Courtesy of Chicago History Museum)

In line with the CHM's mission, this exhibition is accessible to the masses. You don't have to be a designer or a fashionista to experience and learn about the city's rich clothing history. Each dress is accompanied with a catalogue description and biography of both designer and owner. Versace, Chanel, Worth, Miyake, Poiret and Yves Saint Laurent are joined by some of the biggest names from Chicago history: Palmer, McCormick, Dewey and Armor. Fabric swatches, sketches and perfume samples are available for all to touch, smell and see. Interns from the costume collection crafted small scale models of two gowns to demonstrate the intricate detail and construction of these designs. The exhibition ends with the winning creation from the Museum's sponsored design competition, "Fashion Next." On display is a dramatic gown by winners, Roger Price and William Walton that adds a unique opportunity for the Museum to support the work of contemporary designers continuing in the tradition started by these women.

Admission to the museum and exhibition is $14 for adults.