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image courtesy of the SUFAM
Nineteenth-Century Costume Treasures of the Fashion Archives and Museum
February 10- Dec 8, 2010
The Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum (SUFAM) is pleased to announce its spring exhibit “Nineteenth-Century Costume Treasures of the Fashion Archives and Museum,” which opened on Thursday, February 18, 2010 and will run through Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
The exhibit illustrates the evolution of fashion from 1800 to 1900 and the dramatic changes in silhouette that evolved from decade to decade. The collection features a number of important pieces, most of which have not been previously displayed. The director, Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, gives some tantalizing examples: “Visitors to the gallery will enjoy the wide variety of garments on display: the collection houses a rare cotton work dress of the American Federal period. We have a pristine silk-satin dress from 1815-1820 from Mercersburg, PA, and a wonderful warp-printed 1850s transformation bodice that could be either a day dress or an evening or dinner party dress. The skirt, which was partially disassembled, has been restored to its original appearance. The Fashion Archives also owns the only early 1860s dress I have personally handled that has no shoulder seam.” She further adds, “Anyone with an appreciation for the fashions of the nineteenth century will enjoy the beauty of the entire exhibit; anyone with a particular affection for a certain time period will be find that style represented. From Empire waistlines to leg-o’mutton sleeves of the 1890s, it will all be on display.” A full-color catalog complete with detail photos, full-length views and technical notes regarding garment construction is available for purchase both in house and on the website. The exhibit is a celebration not only of nineteenth-century fashion, but it also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Fashion Archives and Museum.
For more information please visit: The Fashion Museum Archives and Museum at Shippensburg University
