Today, “Elegance in an Age of Crisis: Fashions of the 1930s” opens at the Museum at FIT, filled to the brim with opulent fashion from the era (and would surely find Lady Edith right at home). It’s the first exhibition to showcase men’s and women’s clothing simultaneously — and emphasizes the period’s defining technological advancements and art moderne as artistic influence. Highlights of the 110 accessories and looks include Fred Astaire’s shoes, Katharine Hepburn’s costumes, and the Duke of Windsor’s tie. Click through our slideshow to see all these and more.
HélèneYrande Negligee ensemble Coral and peach pleated Silk chiffon 1932, France The Museum at FIT, Gift of Sophie Gimbel
Augustabernard (attributed) Evening gown, ivory tulle 1934, USA (licensed French copy) The Museum at FIT, Gift of Mrs. Jessie L. Hills
Evening jacket Blue wool herringbone twill 1937, Austria The Museum at FIT Gift of Francis Knize
Perugia Pumps Green suede, gold metallic painted leather Circa 1930, France The Museum at FIT, Gift of Frank Smith Collection
Anderson & Sheppard Man’s suit Wool 1935, London Collection of Steven Hitchcock
Gardner and Wooley LTD Smoking jacket Green velvet, satin 1936, London Collection of Alan Bennett, Davies and Son
Madeleine Vionnet Evening gown Ivory silk organza with black lace insets 1937, France Collection of Beverley Birks
Munchen Swim suit Wool Circa 1930, Germany The Museum at FIT, Museum Purchase
McGregor Man’s beach robe Cream printed cotton Circa 1935-1940, USA The Museum at FIT, Museum purchase Man’s swim suit Wool knit Circa 1929, USA The Museum at FIT, Gift of Mike Dykeman
