Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Exhibition focuses on fashion
Crystal Bridges plans new gala
Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour” sponsors and other Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art patrons got an early look at the most recent temporary exhibition Sept. 8 at the museum in Bentonville.
The exhibition, curated by Michelle Tolini Finamore, features works by renowned designers and “names that don’t appear in history books” in “a sweeping view of 200 years of fashion,” Finamore told guests gathered for the preview and reception. “The exhibition focuses on innovation, distinctive styles that have had impact — denim jeans, cowboy boots, bathing suits, street wear, ready-to-wear, the Hollywood red carpet.”
Though spanning two centuries, the exhibition “celebrates body positivity, new directions in Indigenous fashion, messages related to social justice and sustainability,” Finamore said.
Olivia Walton, Crystal Bridges board chairwoman, said: “Fashion is an expression of self, the expression of cultures; it shapes how we see ourselves and how we see others, and it truly reflects who we are. I like to say our super-power here at Crystal Bridges is telling a more inclusive story of the history of America, the history of American art — and that means the history of America.” Museum leaders were drawn to Michelle’s vision in part because “she’s shining a light on untold voices and lifting their stories shoulder to shoulder with names you have heard of … It’s Grit and Glamour. I like to think that’s what we are as an institution and certainly what we are as a country — so it’s a perfect fit for us.”
Walton invited guests to join
the museum again on Oct. 26 for a symposium with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which will include speakers such Tommy Hilfiger and Tory Burch, then “stay for the first ever Crystal Bridges gala fundraiser — dress code ‘American glamour.’”
According to a news release, “in concert with the exhibition, the museum is partnering with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) to explore issues impacting the future of the American fashion industry and celebrate new design talent in the Heartland. The newly created CFDA x Crystal Bridges Heartland Scholars Award — through a gift at the direction of Olivia Walton — will foster design talent in students based, studying, or raised in the American Heartland (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas). The CFDA will host virtual school and student engagements to guide, inspire and connect with students. An annual call for applications and all scholarship information will launch via CFDA.com in January 2023.”
Fashioning America sponsors include the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, JP Morgan, JT and Imelda Rose, Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry, Dillard’s Inc., Gelmart International, Jim and Susan von Gremp, Neal and Gina Pendergraft, Pamm and Paul Prebil, Diane and Mark Simmons, Tony Waller and Shannon and Charles Holley.