CLEVELAND, OH – The Western Reserve Historical Society has a soft spot for fashion. It is apparent from its extensive costume and textile collection, which is comprised of more than 30,000 items from three centuries. On May 10, WRHS will highlight their collection as well as the Cleveland fashion community with the events of In Fashion. The day will feature a Tailored & Trendy Tea, a Trunk Show, and an exclusive look at pieces from the next exhibit in the Chisolm Halle Costume Wing: In Grand Style.
To start the day, visitors are invited to enjoy a Tailored & Trendy Tea in the splendor of the Hay-McKinney House. The tea begins at 10:30 am and will include light sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and tea. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in the spirit of the program. This portion of the day’s events does require reservations in advance. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 per child age 3-12, or $20 per member adult. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wrhs.org/calendar/fashion. After tea, guests can shop a Trunk Show in the Reinberger Gallery before or after they take advantage of one of the last weekends to view Dior & More – For the Love of Fashion, which closes May 24, 2014.
The Trunk Show will be an all-day event featuring local boutiques, designers, and artisans. Each vendor will be set up to display and sell their merchandise. Committed vendors include Beau Monde Vintage, Elizabeth Vilkas Design, Quilted Cat Designs, Washed Ashore Jewelry, Noto Akron, Simply Silver, and What a Great Hat. Additionally, the museum store will be featuring vintage jewelry, items from Cleveland Clothing, Inc., and a sale on Dior & More-related merchandise. Members of VIVA, a group specializing in vintage fashion shows, will also be modeling fashions from the 20th century, allowing you to imagine yourself riding in style in a classic car from the WRHS collection.
During “Off the Rack” at 1:00 pm, Dior & More – For the Love of Fashion guest curator Susan Neill will give an exclusive preview of the In Grand Style exhibit slated to open in November 2014. Neill, who will also guest curate In Grand Style, is an independent curator and museum consultant based in Chicago. Attendees will get an up close and personal look at select items from the WRHS costume and textile collection that embody the opulent lifestyles of high-society Clevelanders from the Gilded Age and Edwardian era through the 1920s. Although this program is included with general admission to the History Center, space is limited.
Media Contact: Alyssa Purvis, apurvis@wrhs.org
(216) 721-5722 ext. 1407