About this collection
Pages
- This silhouette, often called the robe de style, is associated with the designer Jeanne Lanvin, and mimics the wide skirts of the 18th century. Cleveland’s Phyllis Peckham wore French couture, and several of her Lanvin dresses are now in the WRHS collection. Phyllis pursued the latest fashions (thanks to her father’s ownership of the Cleveland Buick Company), but her life’s work became the support of Cleveland’s theater district. She even covered theater news in her radio program, “Eldred Theatre Players.”, Made of silk faille and chiffon, velvet ribbon. Worn in Cleveland, Ohio by Phyllis Peckham (1903-1999). Gift of Miss Phyllis Peckham, 75.124.19. Featured in the "Wow Factor: 150 Years of Bold Clothes" Exhibit.
- This silhouette, with its dramatic bustle, is unlike anything we wear today, but in its time it represented the height of fashion. The Laracy sisters in New York City created it for Sarah Hitchcock, who, as an avid traveler, probably visited their shop on West 36th Street to be fitted. Not only did the Hitchcock family shop abroad, but they explored and experienced; visiting monuments, riding camels, and traversing new landscapes. Both her travels and her fashionable dress illustrate Sarah’s willingness to embrace risk., Made of silk velvet and net, cotton. Worn in Cleveland, Ohio by Sarah Jane Wilcox Hitchcock (1840-1920). Gift of Lawrence Hitchcock, Jr., Mrs. Frederick McConnell, and Mrs. Henry Reynolds Hatch III, 91.52.5. Featured in the "Wow Factor: 150 Years of Bold Clothes" Exhibit.