Slip in to History at the Little Black Dress Soirée
Join Poudre Landmarks Foundation and fans of fashion and history as they celebrate the “Little Black Dress” through the ages with a fancy cocktail party! Enjoy drinks and appetizers while local historians discuss the evolution of this timeless wardrobe staple. Cocktail attire is encouraged, so wear your best LBD or suit as you walk the red carpet to tour the Avery House, listen to live music, and commemorate your visit with professional photographs.
The presenter for this event is Dr. Gwyneth I. Williams, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of History and Politics at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. She has been involved in several interdisciplinary research projects on the topic of dress and identity, and has studied various questions and controversies surrounding the increasing number of fashion exhibitions in museums of art and history. Professor Williams is a recipient of the Kemper award for Excellence in Teaching and has served as President of the Faculty Senate at Webster University. Her presentation for this event is “The Little Black Dress: Its History and Evolution”.
From Dr. Williams’ summary:
“Ever since Vogue magazine praised Coco Chanel’s Little Black Dress in the 1920s, the concept of a simple black dress that can be worn both day and night has been a standard part of most women’s wardrobes. Elegant black dresses were worn long before the 20s however, and designers since Chanel have expanded the LBD concept to include everything from embellished evening gowns to jersey jumpsuits. This presentation will explore the design, use, and exhibition of black dresses from past centuries through the present.”
Tickets to the Little Black Dress Soirée go on sale September 3rd at poudrelandmarks.org. Tickets are $50 per attendee and include appetizers, tours, and the presentation.
Proceeds from the event support the nonprofit Poudre Landmarks Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, protect, and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of the Fort Collins area. For more information, email poudrelandmarks@gmail.com, call (970) 221-0533, or visit poudrelandmarks.org.
