Fashion Transformed ~ La Belle Époque to Moderne ~ 1900 to 1920 presents seventeen elegant costumes in an exhibit that is very similar to one staged by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2007 that was called “Poiret: King of Fashion.” Costume Curator Babs White and her team of volunteers have put together a spectacular show that will offer Darien an incredible opportunity to enjoy the very best of what one of the world’s greatest museums has to offer . . . just a bit smaller, but right here in Darien!

Babs White has been a volunteer at the Darien Historical Society for the past forty-one years. Under her stewardship, costume contributions have come from over 1,000 donors, mainly Darien residents. Currently there are over 3,000 items including accessories such as handbags, parasols, shoes and hats. This very important collection of men’s, women’s and children’s costumes is complete with photographic and written descriptions of each item. Last year, her exhibition on The Ladies of Prospect Avenue, 1867-1900 was a huge success.

The Darien Historical Society expresses our gratitude to the sponsors of this exhibit: Thomas E. Golden Realty and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, and to our patrons and other contributors who made the exhibition possible. In addition to our heartfelt gratitude to Babs, we thank her Exhibition Committee that is led by Susan Massamillo and Cyndy Stamm with support from Cindy Ryan, Charky Armstrong, Lynn Sheppard, Janet Sargent, Megan Caulfield and Anne Ryan. We also thank Carol Caulfield for her photography of the exhibit and Timothy Macdonald for lighting.

Costume Curator Babs White will present gallery talks along with Ladies’ Luncheons at noon on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 and Thursday, November 10, 2011 ($25 per member and $35 per non-member). Tickets are also available for a Ladies’ Night Out with the at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2011 ($20 per member and $25 per non-member). On Election Day, the Darien Historical Society is offering a Mother-Daughter Tea at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. This tea will celebrate the 19^th Amendment that was added to the U. S. Constitution in 1920, giving women the right to vote ($10 per member and $15 per non-member and $5 per child).

Additional Ladies’ Luncheons and Ladies’ Night Outs may are being scheduled for other affinity groups and for private cocktail parties. Please contact the Darien Historical Society at 203-655-9233. The show will open to the general public on Sunday, October 16^th at 4:30 p.m.

All proceeds from these events are used to preserve, protect and celebrate our past to educate both the young and old. So don’t forget: without history and a sense of place, Darien would be just another town. So get in touch with your town and have some fun, support Darien History!

Darien Historical Society
Jack Gault, Executive Director
Susan Bhirud, Education Coordinator
Ulla Kremer, Office Manager
Telephone: (203) 655-9233
E-mail: info@darienhistorical.org
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm