Exhibitions

San Diego Style

October 02, 2009 – June 27, 2010

Style, sophistication, and San Diego – they’re inextricably linked. For its 20th anniversary, the San Diego History Center’s Costume Council is rolling out the red carpet with San Diego Style. The exhibition celebrates San Diegans’ fabulous taste and adds a fashion dimension to San Diego’s claim to the title of “America’s Finest City.” Showcasing a stunning collection of 40 pieces from the San Diego History Center’s 7,000-piece costume collection, along with select loans, San Diego Style focuses on dress that not only highlights exceptional beauty and glamour, but does so with a certain je ne sais quois.

Pieces dating from 1876-2008 include everything from items worn by members of wealthy, early families, to haute couture dresses hand-crafted for the leaders of contemporary San Diego society, to the renowned experimental pieces of British designer and current San Diego resident Zandra Rhodes.  Work by Dior, Cardin, and other highly recognizable names sits side by side with that of the less well known, such as Adrian, a costume designer who created Dorothy’s legendary ruby slippers and later went on to found his own fashion house.

Due to popular demand, this special exhibition has been extended to Sunday, June 27th!

– Timothy A. Long
Guest Curator, Chicago History Museum