For Immediate Release

Cleveland, Ohio (May 10, 2018) – Plaid starts here at the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS)! On June 1, 2018, the Cleveland History Center will unveil its latest exhibition Mad For Plaid sponsored by Emma Lincoln in the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing. Using its extensive costume collection, WRHS takes a fresh approach to a timeless pattern that is trending on the runway today.

This new fashion experience will delve into the history of plaid like never before. From the classroom to couture, plaid connects to prepsters, grunge, the hipster known as the urban woodsman, British culture, and classic chic. It will also highlight recognizable brands, pop culture, and the heritage behind it all. Plaid doesn’t stop there. From carousel horses to cars, archives to textiles, several collections at the Cleveland History Center demonstrate the use of plaid beyond the clothes.

“Mad For Plaid, the new exhibit in the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, showcases Northeast Ohio’s heritage and style using WRHS’s renowned costume and textile collection,” says President & CEO, Kelly Falcone-Hall. “The exhibit features fun, modern pieces from celebrities, classic gowns from beloved Clevelanders, as well as traditional kilts. Mad for Plaid explores plaid’s influence on fashion and its unique ties to Cleveland.”

Fashion lovers and museum guests can expect to see pieces from Fox’s hit movie The Greatest Showman, a kilt of Cleveland’s official tartan loaned by the Kilted Bros, a shirt showcasing the style of the urban woodsman on loan from Whiskey Grade located in Ohio City, “Riot Girl” Kathleen Hanna’s plaid lunchbox purse from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and more.

The Cleveland History Center is also launching a new monthly program called Style-Me Saturdays. These monthly programs are free with museum admission, and encourage a deeper look into plaid. Programs include additional plaid pieces from the collection that didn’t make the show, hands-on activities with local partners, and the opportunity to interact with the Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costumes & Textiles.

Mad For Plaid is on display in the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing at the Cleveland History Center beginning June 1, 2018. Admission is $10. Additional details and the full program calendar are available at wrhs.org