Shippensburg University’s Fashion Archives and Museum will host “Our New Old Clothes: Recent Acquisitions of the Fashion Archives and Museum” beginning Feb. 1.
The exhibit will highlight some of the donations made to the collection since the exhibit’s director, Karin J. Bohleke, assumed her responsibilities in 2007.
It will be on display at the Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education (SHAPE) Gallery, located at 20 W. King St. in Shippensburg through Feb. 22.
It is the first partnership between the Fashion Archives and Museum and SHAPE.
SHAPE is an organization that seeks to enrich the quality of life in the Shippensburg community through interactive cultural, artistic and heritage activities.
Trisha Grace, a Shippensburg University alumnae and president of SHAPE’s board of directors, said she and members of the board “are thrilled to work with the Fashion Archives and Museum at Shippensburg University to organize an exhibition that showcases fashion, culture and history with particular emphasis on artistic expression.”
“The exhibit offers an excellent opportunity to share the Fashion Archives and Museum’s incredible collection and resources with the community,” Grace said.
According to Bohleke, The Fashion Archives and Museum houses a collection that benefits both university and community members, and she is eager to showcase some of the many exquisite items for the public.
“Historic costume is an ideal vehicle for examining our cultural past and present and for exploring the different styles that are continually recycled and renewed. SHAPE presents a perfect opportunity for this to occur,” she said.
Nineteenth century garments to be on display include a bustle gown embroidered with sunflowers and a circa 1895 wool tweed promenade suit with exaggerated sleeves fashionable at the time.
The late 1840s are represented by two dresses: one of shot silk satin and the other of warp-printed rose and gold silk taffeta.
Twentieth century garments to be on display include a sheer black cotton net evening gown, hand embroidered in pearls, blue and black sequins and gold bullion that represents the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Garments from other time periods will also be on display.
The exhibit opening is 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1. The gallery’s regular operating hours are Wednesday to Fridays 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Courtesy of Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.