“An American Legacy” – Fashion Design and Indiana
When thinking of Indiana, several different attributes come to mind: sports, agriculture, homegrown food, and good Midwestern values. What usually doesn’t come to mind however is clothing and fashion designers…but maybe it should.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s new exhibit, “An American Legacy” aims to inform visitors that Indiana does indeed have a rich history in fashion, boasting the works of four native-Indiana fashion designers. These designers, Bill Blass, Halston, Norman Norell, and Stephen Sprouse, were all raised in Indiana and all significantly impacted the way that American style is defined.
The exhibit encompasses designs from the 1940s to the late 20th century and features more than 50 garments. Some of the highlights of the exhibit are a Bill Blass gown made for the former first lady Nancy Reagan, a Norman Norell dress worn by actress Betty Furness, a Halston evening gown based on Andy Warhol’s ‘flowers’ painting, and a camouflage dress designed by Sprouse and popularized by rock star Debbie Harry.
“An American Legacy” isn’t the first time the IMA has showcased fashion. In fact, the IMA houses approximately 7,000 items in the Textile and Fashion Arts collection in the museum. In addition to American fashion articles, the IMA also displays objects such as kimonos and costumes from Asia, rugs and textiles from the Middle East, costumes and embroideries from Africa, and lace collections from Europe.
“An American Legend” is on view from May 4 until January 27, 2013. Click here for more information on the IMA and this exhibit.