Artist unknown, Formal Satin Dress, around 1908. Gift of the VanStraubenzie Family (C74-635.3). Credit: Sheilah Mackinnon
Exhibitions
Luxury in Dress
Première Series
Samuel J. Zacks Gallery
20 February - 1 May 2005
"Fashion entails constant change but the manner in which it changes varies according to a general pattern. At first a new silhouette is quickly evolved. During its evolution, it is worn simply, with little trimming. Once the form has established itself, the development of the silhouette slows down, and the process of decoration begins to build up a fresh aspect to the fashion."
- Stella Blum, Victorian Fashions and Costumes from Harper's Bazaar: 1867-1898
It was not until the 19th century that women's fashion featured masses of lace, braid insertion, embroidery, and beads. From the late 1800s, these decorative surface ornaments were readily available, and often embellished women's attire to create an air of opulence. As part of the Première series, the Art Centre presented a selection of decorated ladies' dresses from the rarely seen Queen's University Collection of Canadian Dress to illustrate a century of embellished attire from the mid-19th century on.
The exhibition was prepared by textile conservator Sheilah Mackinnon, the Isabel Bader Conservation Intern, 2003-04.
Sheilah Mackinnon