The Chicago Cultural Center is hosting an exhibition Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection. From sugar skulls to skeleton candleabras to crocheted corpses, the exhibition features pieces from a collection of over 1500 artefacts including work from artists from around the world & across the centuries commenting on the artist’s fascination with human anatomy & the nature of life & death.
Who doesn’t love this iconic fashion image? Charles James‘ exquisite gowns photographed by his friend Cecil Beaton for Vogue in 1948 capturing a magical fashion moment in time. If you haven’t already, rush to the Chicago History Museum for their fabulous exhibition- Charles James Genius Deconstructed and discover how James inspired Christian Dior’s New Look, Halston’s work& continues to inspire today’s fashion creatives like Ralph Rucci & John Galliano. Curators spent years analysing the intricate cutting and construction methods that underlie James’ work & the exhibition showcases key designs along with lifesize replicas that demonstrate patterncutting and draping techniques, as well as xrays that reveal the garments’ inner workings.
In this videoNBC‘s Tom Kolovos interviews curator Timothy Long who reveals the process of putting the exhibition together, gives perspective on Charles James the man & the designer, the importance of researching history of fashion plus you get a great view of the garments too!