NorthPark Center’s Latest Exhibit Proves Comfort and High-Style Have Always Been a Perfect Pair

With Works from Todd Oldham and Hanae Mori, "Fashion in Residence" Offers Inspiration for the Moment

By Billy Fong // May 13, 2021

fashion in residence JosefaIbarra_Mid1970s

Josefa Ibarra, Mid-1970s, part of NorthPark Center's current exhibit, “Fashion in Residence,” presented by UNT’s Texas Fashion Collection.

The new exhibition at NorthPark Center, “Fashion in Residence,” presented by UNT’s Texas Fashion Collection, was inspired by hostess dressing dating back to Prohibition in the 1920, when clandestine cocktails could only be sipped in one’s personal salon. And though the clothes largely date back to the mid-century, the comfortable looks are as relevant to our current moment as ever — much like the preferred ensembles of today, there’s not a button or zipper in sight.

Curated by Annette Becker, the exhibition shows the evolution of women’s exotic-leisure, at-home caftans, kimonos, hostess gowns, evening pajamas, palazzo pants, and Turkish trousers, with works from Bill Blass, Todd Oldham, Emilio Pucci, Lilly Pulitzer, Hanae Mori, Mary McFadden, and Geoffrey Beene.

We take a closer look at the stylish “Fashion in Residence” display.