Charles James Highlights at the Brooklyn Museum Exhibit

The Brooklyn Museum exhibit "American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection" includes many examples of the work of couturier Charles James. James worked closely with the museum through his involvement with the Design Lab and persuaded several of his clients, including Millicent Rogers, Austine Hearst, and Dominique de Menil, to donate their Charles James garments to the collection at the Brooklyn Museum. In 1993, Erik Lee Preminger donated 24 Charles James garments worn by his mother, Gypsy Rose Lee, to the museum. As a result, the museum holds nearly 200 garments and 600 related Charles James materials, including drawings and patterns of his work.

Many of Charles James' best known evening gowns were on display as part of the exhibit. Shown here are just a few. All photos were taken by me, and thanks to the museum for allowing photos for educational purposes! We appreciate it!

"Butterfly" ball gown, 1955.

Ivory silk satin evening gown, 1951.

"Four Leaf Clover" ball gown, 1953.

"Diamond" evening dress, 1957.

Evening dress, 1946.

"Tree" ball gown, 1955.

Two Charles James evening gowns, 1948 and 1947.

I hope you've enjoyed my reviews of the New York exhibits. I surely enjoyed visiting them!