From June 1st through
Sept. 15th, the Georgia Museum of Art will showcase the personal
wardrobe of sportswoman, socialite and fashion icon Ann Bonfoey Taylor. The nearly complete collection comprises
custom-made day and evening wear from renowned couturiers such as Charles
James, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and James Galanos. Myriad pieces literally tailored to fit the
life of this 20th-century Renaissance woman are juxtaposed with large-scale
photographs by Toni Frissell.
The museum’s director, William Underwood
Eiland, initially saw the exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum (PAM), and was captured
not only by the impressive display of textiles and design, but also by the
clearly educational focus of the show. Dennita
Sewell, curator of fashion design at PAM, organized the exhibition.
“I think what really drew Bill
and the museum to this show in particular was its educational quality. It is really a comprehensive survey of 20th-century
design. While the general public will be
enthusiastic, true scholars of fashion history will be incredibly excited to
see these designs; it is so much more than just a fashion show,” says the
in-house curator, Mary Koon.
Textiles dating from the mid-1940s
to the 1970s required special hands for transport and display. Four couriers,
trained for the special handling necessary, helped install the exhibition. Italian mannequins appear in everything from
cocktail dresses to riding boots—each piece custom made. Aside from the close
to 200 items of clothing and accessories included in the exhibition, visitors
will have the opportunity to study Taylor’s sketches of her own skiwear designs,
a display of erudition and natural talent.
The integrity of the collection lies in its multifaceted testament to
the quality of design in 20th-century art and fashion.
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