I’m back from my trip to Savannah, GA, and I had just a super time. It was the best of two worlds actually: during the daytime my friend was in meetings so I got to spend them as I pleased, but at night I had a friend to go out with. And even though it was HOT, I still covered a lot of ground and saw many things I missed on my last trip.
Before I travel, I always check any local museums’ websites to see if there are any fashion exhibits. I also check my trusty Clothing and Textile Collections in the United States, to see if any of the city’s museums and historic sites have clothing collections. But I’d have missed one had it not been for a short feature in a local Savannah magazine.
The exhibit is Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress, and it is at the Gutstein Gallery of SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design. I’ll know next time to check SCAD’s website, as they have not only student work in their galleries, but also feature exhibits that relate to their different departments, and on which the students help.
But this is no student project. The curator of the exhibit is Andre Leon Talley, and DVF herself played a large role. Most of the items shown are from her archives, or from her own closet. And she sent an assistant down to Savannah to help with the installation.
It’s interesting how they juxtaposed vintage with modern garments. In the above grouping, as in all the groupings, some of the dresses are vintage and some are not. It takes a very good eye to tell the difference in some cases.
The garments above are from Diane’s own closet.
Evening looks, including that Warhol era jumpsuit!
There was also a large selection of articles from all stages of Diane’s career, and examples of her ad campaigns. I always loved this one from her 1997 wrap dress come back, in which the model says the dress got her boyfriend’s attention because it reminded him of his mother!
Such a well rounded display! Sometimes exhibits that feature the career of just one person have gaps, and the more current looks are more heavily represented. Not here. One gets an excellent feel for the work DVF has done starting with that fabulous 1973 wrap dress, and up to the present day. In fact, several of the garments shown can still be purchased in stores.
Now through July 3, 2010.
Close-up of a sequined and feathered evening slip dress
Super vintage wrap dress
Comments:
Posted by Karen/Small Earth Vintage:
Thanks for sharing your visit with us!
Posted by PinkyAGoGo:
Posted by Amanda/AmandainVermont:
Posted by Emily:
Posted by Lizzie:
Karen, yes, that is a coat. It is stunning in reality!
You all are very welcome!
The Vintage Traveler 