Margaret Brown (l.) and Avery Guild Costume Chair Kimberly Miller (r.)

Margaret Brown (l.) and Avery Guild Costume Chair Kimberly Miller (r.). Behind Margaret is a dress she donated to the Avery House as part of the collection. The dress illustrates the 1890s-1900s "health corset." At the turn of the century, there was mainstream public concern about the health hazards of tight corsets, and the "health corset" was born as manufacturers rushed to assure consumers that their corsets were made according to the latest scientific principles and would not harm internal organs or hinder breathing.

Avery House docent Karol Harding (l.) poses with Margaret Brown (r.) during Margaret's tour of the Margaret Brown Collection exhibit at the Avery House.

The Margaret Brown Collection demonstrates the bold steps women's fashion took between 1910 and 1920: The ankle was gradually revealed as hemlines rose and the decade progressed. High waistlines, draping, and asymmetry were hallmarks of the day. At the beginning of the decade, hobble skirts were the new, provocative rage -- slim skirts that literally hobbled their wearers, forcing them to take small, mincing steps. The rose-colored gown (r.) is a good example of draping and a moderate hobble skirt.

Margaret Brown (l.) and Avery Guild Costume Chair Kimberly Miller (r.) hold dresses that are part of the Margaret Brown Collection but not yet on public display. The Margaret Brown Collection is on display at the Avery House Feb-July 2016, and during that time, pieces will be rotated in and out of display to correspond with the seasons. In the spring, these lovely, off-the-shoulder dresses may be on display, and in the summer, some vintage swimsuits that are part of the collection may be displayed. Be sure to come by the house often to see what's new in the Margaret Brown Collection exhibit.