It is the best of these works—capes, hats and dresses, some structured so much like sculptures they could almost stand on their own—that are drawing flocks of style-obsessed to the Chicago History Museum for the exhibit running through April 16, 2012. October 21st, attendees of the Costume Council Costume Ball--including Lynda, Rick, Jordan and his wife Cyndi--were lucky enough to receive a sneak preview--and want to share it with you!
Charles James, born in London in 1906, was shipped off to Chicago by his parents at 18 due to his repeated misbehavior in school. It was there that he opened three hat shops and gained a fierce following of fashionable women from Chicago to London, eventually evolving his craft into dress design and splitting his time between Paris, New York, and London. While the 40's and 50's were the peak of his career, including a showing of his collection on the Paris runways (the first of an American after World War II and one that was so well-received that Christian Dior later referenced him as inspiration), James' battled many inner demons that prevented him from realizing the full accolades and success he deserved in his lifetime. The Chicago History Museum exhibit honors the true impact he's had on the industry, as 40 years after his death his work continues to overtly and subtly influence designers far and wide.
The curator of costumes at the museum--Timothy Long--and his impeccable attention to detail helped display James' works in fresh light. Long and his team created an exhibit that is not to be missed. In addition, the chairs of the Costume Ball Catherine Eberle, Lawrie Weed and Robin Loewenberg Berger, along with Helen Harvey Mills (an Honorary Chair) whose mother was a muse of Charles James, organized the first black-tie themed ball in 10 years, elevating the whole experience to a truly elegant
level.
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| Tim Long with Rick Wood |
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| What a party.....the gala is back after a 10 year hiatius |
Costume Council President Nena Ivon was also joined by master of ceremonies Bill Zwecker, ABC 7's Kathy Brock, fashion designer Wes Gordon and Award for Design Excellence award recipient Ralph Rucci, along with 400 other revelers for the stylish soiree.
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Bill Zwecker and Costume Council President Nena Ivon |
While the Woods’ love anything to do with truly talented designers and fashion, Lynda, Rick, Jordan and his wife Cyndi have a special tie to the James' showing--they are co-sponsors of one of the pieces. Designed in 1957 and worn by Peg Zwecker, James designed the piece around a form and hung the fabric around it--a combination of polyester plush, polyester organza, and silk satin.
This show is important to the Wood family not just as lovers of couture fashion, but also as owners of Davis Imperial Cleaners, leaders in the restoration and preservation of haute couture and vintage garments. For the Woods’, Charles James: Genius Deconstructed further illustrates the importance of a thorough understanding of the construction and fabrication of a garment to process it to the standard of excellence and respect it deserves.
Along with the preview of the exhibit, the Costume Council also honored one of today's most acclaimed international couturiers, Ralph Rucci of Chado Ralph Rucci, with their prestigious award for Design Excellence. Like James, his collection was also shown in Paris. By recognizing work like Rucci's, the Costume Council and the Chicago History Museum honor the memory and legacy of James and designers everywhere whose talent far outlasts their careers.
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| Jordan and his wife Cyndi, Rick, and Lynda Wood in front of the cape |
We could show you a complete pictorial recap of the exhibit but to see it in person is the only way to view Charles James: Genius Deconstructed and truly appreciate this amazing designer--it's a true treasure to the fashion world and Chicago alike. For more information, click here. Thanks for reading!
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