A Convergence of Designer Histories
Former CHM costume collection intern Michelle McVicker writes about a fascinating discovery she recently came across in the Museum’s archives. She is currently a MA candidate in Fashion Studies at … Learn More
Author: chm_admin
Fiorucci: A Splash of Fun at Water Tower
Water Tower Place, a seven-story, 758,000 square-foot vertical mall, opened its doors on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in October 1975. At the time, it was almost completely vacant with the exception … Learn More
An Exceptional Dior Gown
Editor’s note: In honor of prom season, take a close look at one of the Museum’s ball gowns with costume collections intern Corie Azem. While the House of Dior is … Learn More
A Look into CHM’s Fur Vault
Take a peek inside the Chicago History Museum’s fur vault with costume collections intern Amanda Cacich. During the past six months, I’ve worked extensively with the objects in the Museum’s … Learn More
Some Big Shoulder Pads to Fill
Costume curator Petra Slinkard reflects on the life of Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. I distinctly remember the day when I came across these shoulder pads in costume storage. Costume … Learn More
A CHM Western Wear Treasure
Costume collections manager Jessica Pushor writes about a fine example of western wear from the Museum’s costume collection. Western wear and high-quality custom tailoring may not seem like they go … Learn More
What Didn’t Make the Cut
Planning an exhibition such as Chicago Styled: Fashioning The Magnificent Mile® (November 15, 2014–August 16, 2015) requires combing through the entire costume collection to find the most appropriate garments. We … Learn More
In the Beginning: Blum’s Vogue
In honor of Chicago Styled: Fashioning The Magnificent Mile®, the Museum blog will publish a series of posts highlighting the stores, garments, designers, donors, and urban developments featured in the … Learn More
The Chemistry of Conservation
Editor’s note: In 2001, Eunice Johnson commissioned an ostrich feather coat and skintight 1930s-style beaded gown with a separate face-framing hood from Bob Mackie. Costume curator Virginia Heaven describes the … Learn More
A National Treasure
This post was published in 2013. Beginning Saturday, November 9, 2013, the Museum will host a national treasure: a printed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of … Learn More