Sometimes there is a crystallization, a special synergy in one’s life of work, art, inspiration, friendship, collaboration, beauty, and possibilities…that was Spring 2022 for our CFT team at Hillwood.
The spring of 2022 was a dream come true for Caring for Textiles—spending our days at Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood Estate preparing 40 of Princess Grace’s drop-dead gorgeous dresses and outfits for display. Icons of elegant and fun ’60s and ’70s haute couture design were like tactile time traveling through fashion history.
…tactile time traveling through fashion history…
Just the rare opportunity to gently handle and hold these icons was heady enough. Our team—Julia Brennan, Kaitlyn Munro, Katherine Hill McIntyre, and Emilee Koss worked intimately and collaboratively to fit carefully and tailor each mannequin to the dress, becoming skilled at shaping, accentuating, highlighting, and safely supporting each delicate silk, lace, voile, ruffle or tier or cuff.
Every day, we fell in love again…And our knowledge and enthusiasm were feathered by the inspired team at Hillwood, led by the spirited exhibit curator Megan Martinelli.
…shaping, accentuating, highlighting… safely supporting each delicate silk, lace, voile, ruffle or tier or cuff…
Just the rare opportunity to gently handle and hold these icons was heady enough…
This special exhibition is presented for the first time in the United States on special loan from the Palace of Monaco. Take a friend or two, tour the exhibition, glorious Hillwood gardens, Mrs. Post’s house, and have lunch at the charming café. There is no other place like this.
Grace of Monaco, Princess in Dior, is open until early January 2023
https://hillwoodmuseum.org/exhibitions/grace-monaco-princess-dior
In closing, here are some of our favorite dresses…
All photos © Caring For Textiles 2022, except the first photo as noted, courtesy of Hillwood Estate.
Incredibly exciting. Beautiful photos. Enjoy to the hilt (needless to utter as this joy speaks from your summary).
Thanks for sharing.
Coming from a family who, in part, was in the high end clothing business, these images create a lot of memories. And one can see some of the vocabulary being repeated over time by other designers. The beadwork is beautiful – I always look at that as it was one of my Aunt’s specialties.
Where can we view these?
Beautifully presented– what a nice summer project. And how glam she was…Grace of Monaco, Princess in Dior, is open until early January 2023
https://hillwoodmuseum.org/exhibitions/grace-monaco-princess-dior
Hi: https://hillwoodmuseum.org/
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
202.686.5807
What an exquisite exhibit. Wish we lived close enough to see it, but the photos were an enticing glimpse. Thank you for sharing.
Julia, what a great project!
A beautiful walk through the life and times of princess Grace. I think when I grow up I want to be Julia Brennan!!
Such exquisite work you do.
Beautifully presented– what a nice summer project. And how glam she was…
Wow–love the photos of the little details, just stunning!
What an experience handling not one but so many Diors. I’m sure the hand sewing was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on being selected by Hillwood to install such an important collection. A real testament to your skills and experience.