New Costume Exhibitions - Get Thee to New York Part 2!

Yesterday, I featured the first part of a unique double exhibit taking place this summer in New York. Last year, the Metropolitan Museum and the Brooklyn Museum began the massive job of transferring the Brooklyn Museum's extensive costume collection to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum. In the process, so many treasures have been discovered that an unusual double exhibit was designed to highlight the finds. Tomorrow, May 7, "American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection" opens at the Brooklyn Museum, and believe me, you do not want to miss it! The exhibit will feature approximately 85 garments from American designers, including Bonnie Cashin, Charles James, Norman Norell, Gilbert Adrian, and others, along with hats, shoes, handbags, and other accessories that have not been shown for years. Also included will be garments from French designers who influenced American fashion, such as Schiaparelli, Dior, Lanvin, and Vionnet. Following is just a smidgen of what you'll see at this exhibit.

Charles James "Butterfly" ball gown, 1955

Carolyn Schnurer cotton sundress, 1951

Claire McCardell wool and cotton ensemble, 1946

Arnold Scaasi silk bubble dress and coat, 1958

Gilbert Adrian silk and metallic evening ensemble worn by Janet Gaynor, 1949

"American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection" is at the Brooklyn Museum from May 7, 2010 - August 1, 2010. The Brooklyn Museum can be reached by subway from the Metropolitan Museum for $2.25 and the ride will take approximately 50 minutes. Do you need any other reasons to go to New York before August 1st? Go!

All images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute.