I’m very excited to share the information about the upcoming Chicago History Museum exhibition sponsored by the Costume Council. I have been a member for decades and have been involved with many of the exhibitions. The Costume Collection, we support, is one of the largest in the world and houses everything from French Haute Couture to American and European ready to wear to Chicago Sports memorabilia to Sally Rand’s fans to rare historical US president’s garments and even a garment attributed to Mary Todd Lincoln!

At the opening party, on October 22nd from 6 to 9 at the Museum, (open to the public on October 24th), you will be treated to a presentation by historian, Timothy Long, whose knowledge of clothing is unsurpassed! This is one way we celebrate our Nation’s 250 Anniversary with what the Costume Council does best…show history through the garments that were worn through the decades and, therefore, made history!

From the Museum….

“The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to the opening night celebration of Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing, an exhibition that brings together remarkable garments worn by George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln, as well as personal effects and relevant historical documents. Tickets→

As the nation observes its 250th anniversary this year, we examine US history through the clothes of those who helped shape it and discover how fashion, politics, and personal identity became woven into the story of a new nation.

The evening begins with a presentation by fashion historian and curator Timothy Long, who will explore one of the Museum’s most treasured objects. For over a century, the Chicago History Museum has held a suit of black silk velvet worn by George Washington. Drawing on years of his research in the leading repositories of the nation’s history, this evening reassembles a wardrobe long scattered—and asks what it reveals about the nation’s first president.

Following the presentation, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while exploring Threads of a Nation at your own pace. Museum staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to answer questions and share additional insight on the objects on display. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting selection of auction offerings throughout the evening.

About the Presenter

Timothy Long is a fashion historian and curator who has spent his career reading history through what people wore. A former curator at the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of London, he has created more than twenty exhibitions on both sides of the Atlantic, including projects for the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and the San Diego History Center, and has written on dress and the decorative arts, including for V&A Publishing and the British Museum Technical Research Bulletin.

For many years he has pursued an investigation into the surviving clothing of George Washington, following it across collections in the United States and Britain. He recently held a fellowship at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon and now holds one at Sulgrave Manor, Washington’s ancestral home in the United Kingdom.”

Schedule

5:30 p.m. – Pre-Event VIP Champagne Reception and meet and greet with Timothy Long
6:00 p.m. – Doors open, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served, silent auction bidding begins
6:30 p.m. – Presentation by Timothy Long
7:00 p.m. – Reception and self-guided exhibition viewing
8:15 p.m. – Bidding for silent auction concludes
8:30 p.m. – Silent auction winners announced
9:00 p.m. – Event concludes

Co-Chairs: Anika Allen and Katie Beard

Event Committee: Moni Adorjan, Athena Golianis, Courtney Hopkins, Karen Peters, Frank Rubel, Carol Seeling, and Karen Zupko

Sponsors of Style

George Washington Sponsor

Liz Stiffel

Abraham Lincoln Sponsors

D. Elizabeth Price
The Shearson Family
VLS Private Foundation
Richard and Diane Weinberg

John Adams Benefactors

Pamella and Alfredo Capitanini
Karen Peters and Charles Frank
Heritage Auctions
Alicia and David Schafer
Karen Zupko and Mike McCahon
Carlette McMullan
Lyssa Mashek Piette

Pattern Friends

David Hiller and Darcy Evon
Courtney and Tobin Hopkins
Neiman Marcus
Rhonda Marcucci
Frank J. Rubel III

Threads Patrons

Anika Allen and Baird Capital
Constance K. Barkley
Katie Beard
Kathleen M. Boege
Jonathon and Jacqueline Cwiok
Bon French
Athena Golianis
Vicki Hood
Katherine Klehr
Lissette Cortes Lade and David Lade
Betty Latson
Lizzy Lopez
Diane Lovejoy
Erica C. Meyer
Randolph Street Market
Cheryl Tama Oblander and Scott Oblander

In-Kind Sponsors

Connie Barkley Elysium MedSpa Kissyboo

Knee Deep Vintage Lady Bug Vintage Rhonda Marcucci

MS Collections Space 519 Viva La Med Spa

Conservation of the presidential costumes and objects is being supported in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

By now you know my favorite books are historical fiction and you probably also know I am obsessed with anything New York City so when both things come together you can only imagine my delight!

I have been a huge fan of Fiona Davis since I read her first book The Dollhouse why you might ask, simply because she delves into the total story behind each NYC landmark building she features as the lead character and then, here comes the fun part, weaves a story around that building’s beginnings and characters (some historical others fictional) of that time and then brings us to modern times. I am not usually a fan of going back and forth in time but Davis does it with such transparently that it works to perfection.

I must admit I haven’t had much time recently to read for pleasure, my reading has been relegated to books I am featuring on my monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club. I did, however, want to dive into her new book THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, and I’m beyond delighted I did. Pure escapism! I’m not going to spoil the story for you but I do what to give you a brief overview of the landmark she has chosen this time….The Frick Collection! It happens to be one of my favorite places anywhere. At the moment it is being refreshed and renovated and the Collections are on display at The Frick Madison. One of the things that I looked forward to each week, during our COVID lockdown, and hung on every word, was their brilliant virtual series Cocktails With A Curator….You can see it on YouTube, you won’t be sorry.

But I digress, I always seem to do that, sorry! Back to the book, it follows two protagonists, one, Lillian Carter, in 1919 and the other, Veronica Weber, in 1966. Both happen to be models, Lillian an artists model and Veronica a fashion model (those story lines were, of course, right up my alley). But the main character, is The Frick itself! What I like most about Davis’ writing, as I mentioned before is, her deep dive into the history of each of her chosen landmarks, her detailed research is truly, in my opinion, her strength. Sure the characters stories are captivating, but the story of The Frick (or Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library, etc.) is what fascinates me and makes me excited for her next story and makes me want to visit my second favorite city (Chicago will always come first!) as soon as possible.

Just a pretty fountain, in front of The Plaza in NYC, perhaps…read the book to find out more!

Setting the story in two totally different times gives us yet another dimension to consider…obviously everything changes from etiquette, to buildings, to fashion, to food…the list goes on. BUT what doesn’t change is how we appreciate and NEED art in our lives. Henry Clay Frick was a major collector of European art, sculpture, furniture and objects. His daughter, Helen Clay Frick, continued the collecting after her father’s death as well as made it her life’s work to continue his vision. The building, originally their family home, became the museum it is today. It is kept very much like a home, an ultra splendid home, with the art hung in various rooms and you indeed feel as if you are a guest in someone’s masterpiece…the home becoming yet another part of the story!

Henry Clay Frick and his daughter Helen Clay Frick

I’m so eager to have you read this engaging story of the mansion and what is what like at its beginning with a man’s vision and his devoted daughter’s desire to keep his legacy alive for all of us to treasure. I can’t wait to see it when it reopens its splendor to us! I say a field trip is in order, perhaps Fiona will join us on our tour!!! Enjoy the fabulousness of The Frick Collection and what might have happened inside its walls…

Fashion-Lifestyle Reflections

Museums

HAPPENINGS…..CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM/COSTUME COUNCIL…THREADS OF A NATION: PRESERVING PRESIDENTIAL CLOTHING