When speaking of culture and art, fashion is an aspect that cannot be forgotten. Fashion is also a reflection and expression of exploration and rebellion against previous styles or sometimes a revisit to great decades of the past.

This was no different in the tumultuous  years between 1911 and 1919 in Paris; a time of unparalleled inspiration, excitement and creativity in the arts and fashion. As its contribution to the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Art & Design presents the exhibit Brave New World: Fashion and Freedom, 1911 – 1919 in the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery from April 7 – May 7.

In this magical decade, the  muted colors and the hourglass silhouettes of the late 19th century were abandoned by style-leaders in favor of short skirts, bright “fauvist” colors  and a slim uncorseted body. More than a dozen period garments and  accessories from one of the fashion capitals of the world will be on display from the holdings of the Drexel Historic Costume Collection. Pieces will range from a half-mourning day suit created by Philadelphia tailor, Henry Dietmann, to a shockingly short (for its time) lace evening dress from the Parisian couture house, Callot Soeurs. Of particular note is a spectacular evening dress by the designer Lucile.

This event is free. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts through May 1, supported by PIFA.

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