Betsy Bloomingdale and Titanic fashion exhibits in Pasadena

[Andrew Clarkson]

The historic Gamble House in Pasadena -- lauded as one of the world's best examples of Arts & Crafts architecture -- is hosting two fashion history events on Nov. 14 to kick off its seasonal lecture tour.
First is "adDRESSING Titanic: Appearance and identity in 1912," in which Kevin Jones, curator of the museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, will break down the sartorial hierarchy aboard the tragically doomed Titanic.

In addition to dissecting the various social subsets that were present on the ship (first, second and third class, along with crew and steerage), Jones will also highlight the many Titanic passengers involved in the fashion world and trend-making high-society circles. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design.

After the Titanic presentation, attendees will be able to see 125 historical haute couture pieces that fashion maven Betsy Bloomingdale gave to the FIDM Museum, by touring the "High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture" exhibit, which will be on display from Wednesday through Dec. 13.

Bloomingdale is the widow of Alfred P. Bloomingdale and an heir to the department store fortune. She was a devotee of French haute couture from 1961 to 1996, and on display will be vintage pieces designed by Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. The heiress' personal style and sensibilities will also be explored. The display opens at 1 p.m.

Both events will be sponsored by Friends of the Gamble House. To purchase tickets -- $15 for students and $25 for the general public -- call 626-793-3334 Ext. 52 or visit www.gamblehouse.org.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com