The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection (FHCC) is one of the finest and oldest teaching and research collections in the United States—and its home is right here at Drexel’s URBN Center. The FHCC serves as an educational resource for all things related to design.
Usually, to gain access to the archive of more than 14,000 garments, accessories, and textiles, an appointment is necessary. However, for the first time on a large scale, a glimpse into the FHCC is open to the public with no appointment necessary!
Immortal Beauty: Highlights from the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection opened to the public on October 2, 2015 in the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. The collection did not disappoint. The opening reception was the place to be! The exhibit, which includes more than 75 select artifacts, attracted a crowd of hundreds—including students, professors, the elderly, and fashion enthusiasts. The crowd could not wait to spend an evening in the presence of pieces designed by Chanel, Halston, Dior, de la Renta, Givenchy, Quant, Schiaparelli, and more. All the while, visitors enjoyed a glass of warm apple cider and an assortment of cookies.
Immortal Beauty allows you to view centuries of fashion history in one event. Consider this exhibit one of the most interesting history lessons you will ever partake in. You can expect to find antique pieces, such as a fragment of Italian velvet dating back to the 16th century. You will also see a few modern pieces, including a short Alexander Wang dress and a pair of heel-less Giuseppe Zanotti booties, both created circa 2013.
The dimly lit space requires you to get up as close as possible to gaze over the works. When you’re standing within inches of historical artifacts, it’s hard not to imagine yourself draped in the pieces that were crafted by the hands of some of the most prominent designers. Some of these pieces were even worn by icons, such as Princess Grace of Monaco. In addition to gowns and dresses, there are also a number of shoes, hats, purses, belts, hair combs, and other accessories on display.
If you missed the opening weekend, you still have a great deal of time to take advantage of this opportunity. You’d be crazy to turn down the chance to be in the company of works by some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century, and of today.
The Immortal Beauty exhibit will be on display until December 12, 2015 at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, located on 3401 Filbert Street. The gallery is open to the public at no cost Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.