Charlotte Collects: Contemporary Couture and Fabulous Fashion

Focused on 21st century long gowns, from cocktail attire to wedding dresses, this exhibition highlights the meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and fine materials characteristic of couture. Also highlighted is the inherent architecture of fashion from the pattern pieces, cut, and construction methods, sometimes layered with innovative decorative flourishes of surface design. Charlotte Collects presents an array of international designs including extraordinary creations by Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Issey Miyake, Isaac Mizrahi, Rochas, Rodarte, Jason Wu, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Junya Watanabe.
The exhibition offers a sampling of sartorial splendor from 10 local collectors: Amanda Weisiger Cornelson, Lisa Dargan, Myra Gassman, Deidre Grubb, Alex Holleman, Chandra Janway Johnson, Ashley Mattei, Laura Vinroot Poole, Kim Blanding Putney, and Ann Tarwater. It tells the story of each of the collectors’ individual philosophies and collecting criteria, and will equip the public with the tools to look at fashion in new ways via the formal elements of art and design. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website