One-of-a-kind exhibition explores cultural significance of purple
The Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery and the Department of Art and Art History have announced the opening of “PURPLE: Fashion and Fancy, Highlights from the Texas Fashion Collection,” an exhibition of historic and designer wear that explores the cultural significance of the color purple.
A glimpse into fashion history spanning three centuries, the exhibition includes 12 pieces on loan from the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, a collection founded by the Dallas-based department store Neiman Marcus. It includes a range of garments and accessories, from an 1890s mourning capelet to a 21st-century cocktail dress. Evening dresses by well-known designers Victor Costa and Vera Wang, an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress, a Fendi fur coat and a folkwear wedding dress are just a few of the highlights.
From sportswear to formal wear, from glamorous gowns to exuberant hats, this one-of-a-kind exhibition features articles of clothing for different occasions and times of the year, highlighting the enduring resonance of purple in fashion.
The exhibition was made possible through a generous partnership with Annette Becker, director of the Texas Fashion Collection, and the charitable support of an anonymous donor. Becker curated the selection of designer pieces in collaboration with the show’s co-curators, Ernest Jolicoeur and Dr. Anthony F. Mangieri of the Department of Art and Art History. A full color catalog with essays accompanies this exhibition.
“PURPLE” runs from Oct. 10 through Nov. 20. The University community and the general public are invited to attend an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 10, which will run from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery
Located in the Antone Academic Center, the gallery is handicap accessible with parking along Lawrence and Leroy avenues. Its exhibits are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
