Always In Style

Talk about dressing the part. A new exhibit at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach combines history, women’s rights, fashion – and even undergarments.

“Inside Out: Women’s Fashion from Foundation to Silhouette,” which runs from Oct. 15 through Jan. 5, explores how women have shaped American society and how undergarments have shaped them.  

“‘Inside Out’ specifically examines the relationship between American women and their undergarments against a backdrop of fashion, sociological changes and political climate,” explains a press release. “Visitors will walk through eight key eras in American history, exploring the perceived roles of women in American culture from the 1790s to the present.”

The exhibit, organized by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, features 140 items, including clothing worn by Cher and Lady Gaga.

“I’ve been to many major fashion exhibits around the country, but I always felt something was missing,” says Howard Taylor, director of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, according to a press release. “The garments were all visually interesting but none of the exhibits were speaking about the underlying history ... none were talking about the sociology, the sexuality of the pieces and the status of the women who were wearing them.”

Like what you see? Period makeup, perfumes and handmade foundation pieces in fabrics inspired by the exhibition will be available for purchase in the museum store. O

For more information, call 561-655-2833 or visit flaglermuseum.us.