ON WITH THE SHOW: Christian Siriano will help the Maryland Historical Society unveil its “Spectrum of Fashion” exhibition spanning 400 years.
The historical society is billed as having the second-largest fashion and costume collection behind the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Annapolis, Md.-born Siriano will emcee a fashion show for the 450 guests expected at Friday’s gala in Baltimore.
Starting in 1724, nearly 90 pieces are on view in the latest exhibition as well as decorative arts from the various time periods. Beyond the presidential-related keepsakes and fashion worn by the Duchess of Windsor, there are numerous items that are meant to spotlight lesser-known lives. The earliest pieces are both from 1724 — a livery uniform consisting of a coachman’s coat; cape and top hat that belonged to a former slave at the Hampton mansion outside of Baltimore, and a silk embroidered decorative apron made and worn by Anne Chew Thomas, another rare survival for an American collection.
THE MHS’ costume collection has never been exhibited to this degree, according to Alexandra Deutsch, who started working with the collection in 2008 and began spearheading “Spectrum of Fashion” two years ago. A $200,000 lead gift from the Richard C. von
The historical society is billed as having the second-largest fashion and costume collection behind the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Annapolis, Md.-born Siriano will emcee a fashion show for the 450 guests expected at Friday’s gala in Baltimore.
Starting in 1724, nearly 90 pieces are on view in the latest exhibition as well as decorative arts from the various time periods. Beyond the presidential-related keepsakes and fashion worn by the Duchess of Windsor, there are numerous items that are meant to spotlight lesser-known lives. The earliest pieces are both from 1724 — a livery uniform consisting of a coachman’s coat; cape and top hat that belonged to a former slave at the Hampton mansion outside of Baltimore, and a silk embroidered decorative apron made and worn by Anne Chew Thomas, another rare survival for an American collection.
THE MHS’ costume collection has never been exhibited to this degree, according to Alexandra Deutsch, who started working with the collection in 2008 and began spearheading “Spectrum of Fashion” two years ago. A $200,000 lead gift from the Richard C. von