Museum Pieces

Explore the glamor and sophistication of one of the world’s preeminent costume collections, as High Style: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection opened last weekend at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Gowns, accessories, and other looks by the most influential designers of the last 100 years- including Lanvin, Chanel, Shiaparelli, Dior, and Givenchy- trace the evolution of fashion in the 20th century. Reflecting the nation’s tastes and transformations during the decades between 1910 to 1980 through more than 60 stunning costumes, 30 accessories, and an array of related fashion sketches, this exclusive West Coast presentation from the Brooklyn Museum’s distinguished Costume Collection will run from March 14- July 19, 2015.

High Style is curated by Jan Glier, consulting curator for the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum, and organized by the Met- think last year’s Met Ball theme. The show captures key points in 20th-century fashion design with rare pieces from French couture houses. In addition, the presentation features pioneering American designers of the 1930’s and 1940’s such as Charles James, Elizabeth Hawes, Sally Victor, among others. The selection of haute couture and ready-to-wear garments showcases the stunning craftsmanship and flamboyance of fashion in this era. www.legionofhonor.famsf.org