Monkey skin coat
1890 evening gown from England
Balenciaga gown, one of only three made
Bernadette Fideli
Twenty thousand garments to view and so little time. How to describe a visit to one of the University of North Texas’ most unique collections is a daunting task. The Robson Red Hat Ranchers were treated to a guided tour of the Texas Fashion Collection housed on the main campus of UNT. This collection is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of historically significant fashion and is an educational resource for students, researchers and the general public. Students are able to study, examine and be inspired by two centuries of garments by many of the world’s greatest designers, including Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy and Chanel. The collection began in 1938 through the efforts of Stanley and Edward Marcus. It was presented to the University of North Texas in 1972 to support a growing fashion design program and encourage the next generation of fashion designers. Collection Manager Edward Hoye and his staff guided the Red Hatters along row after row of perfectly preserved garments from the past 200 years. From bustles and hoops to hour-glass shapes and flappers, from mourning dresses and Edwardian weddings dresser to monkey skin coats, the collection amazed and excited the group of ladies. A rich and varied history, presented free to the public, created a memorable afternoon for one Red Hat group.