Fashion as Art

The Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art opens to the public on October 2. One of the three exciting exhibits is "Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915."

Corset, England, c. 1900, Leather and Metal.

Petticoat, China for the Western Market, c, 1785. The silk satin is beautifully embroidered with tiger lilies, indigenous to Asia. The silk fabrics were ordered by the British East India Company.



Dressing Gown, Japan for the Western Market, c. 1885, silk embroidery on crepe. The kimono was cut shorter and wider with a softer sash to accommodate a Western woman. "Yes, that's my dear friend, Chris, checking out the fashions."

Lounging Pajamas, c. 1913, Callot Soeurs, Paris, active 1895-1937. Couturiers such as the Callot sisters were inspired by spectacular Ballets Russes productions in Paris. Any style that questioned gender, such as this, was controversial and innovative. This is my favorite!