One of the things that brings great satisfaction to my life is being able to take advantage of the vast array of cultural opportunities and experiences available in the Cleveland area. So many times we put great effort in to seeking these things out when we go on vacation but rarely stop to consider what is available in our own back yards.
Last week I was able to enjoy a behind the scenes view of the newly opened Mad for Plaid exhibit at the Western Reserve Historical Society. It’s the museum’s largest costume & textile exhibition to date and a must see for any lover of clothing, history or both!
The Mad for Plaid Exhibit
Last Friday I met Patty Edmonson, Curator of Costume and Textiles at WRHS for a tour of this new exhibit. The first dress we viewed belonged to exhibit benefactor, Emma Lincoln, a Cleveland lawyer and part of the Lincoln Electric family. Sadly, Emma passed in late 2017 and was unable to view the exhibit.
Patty is a wealth of both historical knowledge and pop culture fun facts. For instance, did you know:
- That plaid was popularized by Queen Victoria?
- That Cleveland has their very own tartan recorded with the Scottish Register of Tartan?
- That several costumes for The Greatest Showman (starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron) were made right here in Cleveland? HINT: Go see the show to learn a special secret about Zac Efron’s mannequin!
This Alexander McQueen piece is perhaps the one I was most excited to see in person and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Can you guess this next important designer? The knit construction should be a clue. Missoni gets credit for this luxe creation.
It takes a whole lotta chutzpah to walk into a party wearing this but that is exactly what Clevelander Sylvia Oliver did in 1976. Am sure it was an entrance that people are still taking about!
Check out the detail on this child’s ensemble. Clevelanders often wore kilts to imply a heritage of wealth and social standing.
This piece took me back to my youth. Madras. The Preppy Handbook. All that good stuff. Check out my Instagram In CLE Highlight – it features a Bermuda bag nearly identical to the one I owned in high school.
Cleveland’s own Kilted Bros. created this Pride of Cleveland kilt. After checking out their website, I didn’t have the nerve to check underneath it! (wink, wink)
Mad for Plaid Style Me Saturdays
The Style Me Saturdays series is a new program for the museum and I highly recommend you plan to attend at least one of these events. You’ll see garments not normally on display to the public and be able to participate in special activities with local partners (noted below). All programs are FREE with admission, aside from the Scotch tasting event.
- July 7 – Poolside Plaid: Summer Style from the Collection
- August 4 – Kilt 101: the Kilted Bros
- September 22 – Weaving Plaid: Praxis Fiber Workshop
- November 3 – Rocker Plaid: Rock + Roll Hall of Fame
- December 8 – History on Tap: Cheers to Plaid: Scotch Tasting and Holiday Style from the Collection
- January 5, 2019 – Silver Screen Plaid
- February 2, 2019 – As If: ’90s Plaid from the Collection
Heartfelt thanks to Patty Edmonson and Katie Kukwa for having me out!
More at the WRHS
Bring the whole family along when you come visit and make a day of it. The Western Reserve Historical Society also offers:
- Tours of the Hay-McKinney mansion
- The Crawford Auto & Aviation museum
- Rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel
- Cleveland Starts Here – an immersive exhibit exploring Cleveland’s history from the 1790’s to current day
- A research library and more!
Museum Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
Closed Mondays and on the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Shop Mad for Plaid
We learned from Fashion Week that plaid will be making a strong appearance this fall. Already we are starting to see hints of it in summer collections. From Madras to Americana, the slider below has all your best plaid looks for Summer 2018!
Two of my favorite plaid looks for summer using pieces from the slider are below. The first look is a summery but refined office look and the second look is a full-on preppy throwback! Use the scarf as a head wrap for an east coast inspired beach look.
- Ruched Sleeve Tee
- Textured Scalloped Short
- Talbots Madras Tote
- Talbots Madras Scarf
- Madewell Boardwalk Sandal
NOTE: Talbots is running their Friends & Family through June 17th. Use code FRIENDS40 for 40% off! BIG SAVINGS!
Until next week…don’t get MAD, get PLAID!
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Looks like a great exhibit, I love plaids its such a classic that never goes out of style.
Nora
So agree! Especially love the classic and nuetral but never boring Burberry plaid.
OMG I’m loving all the madness in plaid! It is so amazing and plaid is always such a statement on anything.
https://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2018/05/09/front-yard-landscaping-ideas/
Right? So many color variations that lead to infinite combos from classic to crazy. Thanks for stopping by!
That plaid bow skirt is just darling.
Plaid is one of my faves – and I wear it a LOT in the winter. Why dont I wear it more in the summer? Its so fun and fresh. That exhibit looks really fun – hopefully I will be able to catch it!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
I thought the same thing! I guess gingham counts as a form of plaid. You’ll love it, the Style Me Saturdays look fun too!
I’m a sucker for plaid. I blame Cher horowitz and Vivienne Westwood. Great post!