“Immortal Beauty: Highlights from the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection” will be on display at Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design in Philadelphia through Dec. 12.
The exhibition traces the arc of fashion history over the course of more than three centuries, with an emphasis on special occasion dresses. Focused mostly on international high style of the 20th century, the exhibit highlights more than 75 garments by designers such as Charles James, Gabrielle Chanel, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Mary Quant and Elsa Schiaparelli. Other notable pieces are by Philadelphia natives James Galanos and Ralph Rucci, as well as an evening dress by New York designer Alexander Wang. There’s also a Charles James gown that was custom-made for Babe Paley in the Forties and a coral-encrusted Givenchy gown worn by Grace Kelly in 1965.
The collection is part of the 14,000 garments, accessories and textiles that comprise the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection.
“Immortal Beauty” was organized by Clare Sauro, curator of the Fox Historic Costume Collection. “The items were selected both for their historical significance and aesthetic beauty,” said Sauro.
The exhibition in the Westphal College’s Leonard Pearlstein Gallery at 3401 Filbert Street is free to the public, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.