The Oshkosh West Index - Paine opens exhibit in high fashion

Volume 103, Issue 8

Online Features

Paine opens exhibit in high fashion

By Emily Borchardt
posted 11:25:58 AM CST, May 24, 2007

The name “Oshkosh” has never been synonymous with Hollywood. However, thanks to the Paine Art Center, that is about to change. The “American mansion” is bringing classic Hollywood glitz and glamour through their newest exhibit. Fashion in Film: Period Costumes for the Screen is a collection of 36 original costumes from major movie productions such as Ever After, Dangerous Liaisons, and Out of Africa.

“Once the movie is over, all the costumes are stored in their warehouses which already have over 100,000 costumes,” said Laura Fiser, curator of collections at the Paine.

To display the costumes, the staff of the Paine had to think outside the box.

“We knew we couldn’t fit all 36 pieces in the main gallery so we had to spread them throughout the mansion,” said Fiser.

Only one third of the costumes are displayed in the main gallery, which is an unusual move for the Paine. These particular outfits are displayed with an enlarged movie still to help the audience visualize the context the outfit was worn in. The rest of the collection was matched with a room in the mansion that would suit the design of the costume.

“We tried to put the costumes in what would seem like a natural setting,” said Fiser. “The set up not only makes the dresses come alive but also the rooms.”

One decision the staff made was to put dresses worn in the movie Scarlett in the women’s parlor because of the girlish nature. Not only does the placement of the costumes accentuate the context in which they were used, but also lets gallery attendees view the intricate detail that was handcrafted into the costumes.

“I think people are really surprised to see how finely made the costumes are,” commented Fiser. “They are complete inside and out. That’s not expected when the costumes are usually only seen at a distance for small amounts of time.”

Along with extreme detail, the costumes exude an unexpected level of historical accuracy.

“If there weren’t zippers used in that time period, they would not be used on the costumes,” said Fiser.

This attention to history is one reason why the Paine was so eager to receive the collection.

“These costumes cover 500 years of history,” said Fiser. “They show the type of fabrics, colors, and textures that would be used in the time period.”

Although the pull of Hollywood is inevitable with this exhibit, Fiser hopes to bring in an array of audiences.

“We’re hoping that interest in this exhibit will extend past celebrity interest,” said Fiser. “This exhibit has a lot of qualities that would interest not only movie buffs but fans of theatre and overall anyone who likes visual history.”

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photo by Kailey Lemon

Wedding outfits from Sense and Sensibility are displayed in the dining hall of the Paine. The display will remain until September 30.

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