DENTON (UNT), Texas — Experience the whimsy and jubilation of the University of North Texas’ unique collection of fashion artifacts this spring in the new exhibition, “Delight: Selections from the Texas Fashion Collection.”

Housed in the College of Visual Arts and Design, the Texas Fashion Collection has nearly 20,000 historic and designer pieces that are usually only accessible to academic researchers. Included in the collection are personal design archives from elite designers such as Victor Costa, Texan Todd Oldham and UNT alum Michael Faircloth, who have entrusted the fashion collection with preserving their fashion legacies.

From everyday styles to designs that have made a lasting mark on the runway, the selection of more than 35 garments and accessories in “Delight” will represent the extensiveness of UNT’s repository of fashion history. The exhibition will feature internationally renowned designers such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy, Patrick Kelly, Hanae Mori, Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Wang. Well-known designers with ties to the Lone Star State include Faircloth, Oldham and Page Boy Maternity, a Dallas fashion label that revolutionized maternity clothes for women in the late 1930s.

Inspired by The New York Times best-selling collection of essays The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, the exhibition’s title is meant to encourage visitors to think more about each artifact and celebrate the distinctive story it holds.

“This exhibition offers a holistic look at our unique, world-class holdings,” said Annette Becker, Texas Fashion Collection curator and director. “From haute couture to homemade, these designs inspire joy, curiosity and wonder – all personal and emotional reactions that lead us to think more deeply about fashion's cultural meaning and importance.”

“Delight” will run through May 21 in the CVAD Gallery in the UNT Art Building with a series of special events throughout the spring semester. Exhibition signage and materials will be available in English and Spanish.

ABOUT THE TEXAS FASHION COLLECTION

The Texas Fashion Collection is part of the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. It was created by a variety of notable groups and individuals whose vision and style continue to inspire students, researchers and visitors. Located on UNT’s main campus in Denton, this unique repository collects and documents historic dress and high fashion from past centuries through the present. Among the designers represented in the collection are Cristóbal Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, House of Dior and Hubert de Givenchy. Artifacts from the Texas Fashion Collection have been on loan to the Museum at FIT, Cornell Fashion + Textiles Collection at Cornell University, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, SMU DeGolyer Library and many others.

DELIGHT: SELECTIONS FROM THE TEXAS FASHION COLLECTION

When: Jan. 25-May 21

Where: CVAD Gallery in Room 160 of the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton

Gallery Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Thursday

To Attend: Free and open to the public

EXHIBITION SPECIAL EVENTS

• Professional Development Panel
  • When: 12:15-1:30 p.m. Feb. 4
  • Where: Room 223 of the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton
  • About: The Texas Fashion Collection will partner with the UNT Career Center for a discussion on exhibition-related career paths led by “Delight” exhibition designer Carlos Castillo, conservator Melanie Sanford, CVAD Galleries director Stefanie Dlugosz-Acton and graphic designer Lauren Huber.
  • To Attend: Free and open to the public
• Opening Reception
  • When: 5-7 p.m. March 24
  • Where: UNT Art Building Courtyard and CVAD Gallery, 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton
  • About: Celebrate the “Delight” exhibition with a gallery viewing and refreshments.
  • To Attend: Free and open to the public
• Family Day
  • When: Noon-4 p.m. March 26
  • Where: UNT Art Building Courtyard and CVAD Gallery, 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton
  • About: The TFC is collaborating with the UNT Alumni Association for a day of family-friendly art-making activities and exhibition tours in English and Spanish.
  • To Attend: Open to the public; Registration will be required closer to event.
• “Speed Dating” for UNT OLLI Members
  • When: Noon-1:30 p.m. April 22
  • Where: CVAD Gallery in Room 160 of the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton
  • About: The TFC will partner with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNT for this event. OLLI members will circulate around the gallery to hear short research presentations on exhibition artifacts.
  • To Attend: Event is for OLLI members. To become a member, visit olli.unt.edu.