The Couturier as Author

A century of Modernity-Post-Modernity in Fashion Design

A look at 100 years of Fashion Design in the Parodi Costume
Collection

When British dressmaker Charles Frederick Worth presented garments with labels bearing his name, at the 1890 (1893)World’s Fair in Paris, he officially
gave birth to the concept of the couturier as author, effectively ushering the birth of the modern fashion designer. Our current exhibition is a journey that
narrates the history of 100 years of modernity in fashion design, through the many permutations of the couturier as author, the fashion designer as visual artist
and architect, and the many movements and styles that surfaced throughout ten decades. The main gallery features iconic and rare pieces from the most influential
designers of the late 19th Century, through the late 20th century, from Charles Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Mariano Fortuny, Coco Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Elsa
Schiaparelli, Madeliene Vionnet, Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Pierre Balmain, Bob Mackey, Issey Miyake, Martin Margiela, Rei Kawakubo and Angel Sanchez.

Photography Credits to Sofía Aviles