The Charleston Museum is pleased to announce a new exhibit in the Historic Textiles Gallery, “Lovely & Lethal: Killer Fashions from the Collection.” The exhibit highlights oddities showcasing fearsome fashions, sinister styles, and terrifying trends. Visitors will discover the consequences of style, from accessories made out of now extinct animals to clothing that could kill, with a focus on macabre design and fashion history.
The exhibit will open on Saturday, September 28th with an exclusive kick-off party from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy an exclusive free clothing swap in partnership with the Naked Lady Society and immerse themselves in the world of sustainable fashion in the Museum’s stunning outdoor courtyard.
Event partners include wine and beverages from Love & Bunches, snacks from Charcuterie Happy Board, desserts from Charleston Sugar Studio, and a plant sale hosted by Meeting Green. Participation in the clothing swap and opening party is free but reservations are preferred. Food, beverages, and plants are available for purchase. Access to Lovely & Lethal: Killer Fashions from the Collection is free for Museum Members or free with admission.
“This exhibit invites visitors to examine the intersection of beauty and danger through garments and accessories that not only captivate the eye, but also tell complex stories of intrigue and peril,” said Virginia Theerman, Curator of Historic Textiles. “From accessories crafted from extinct animals, to garments with arsenic or lead, this collection offers a fascinating glimpse into a different and darker side of functional fashions.”
The exhibit will be open to the public from September 28, 2024 through April 20, 2025, and access is included with Museum Membership and daily admission. For more information, to register for the kick-off party, and to purchase admission tickets, visit www.charlestonmuseum.org.
