Style meets substance during a special event at the Oshkosh Public Library that offers a dazzling first-hand look at the evolution of American fashion. High Fashion USA: The Birth of the American Fashion Industry, hits the runway Under the Dome at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
Local fashion historian Scott Jorgenson puts on a style show featuring dozens of vintage dresses, suits and gowns from his collection. This visual banquet traces the fascinating story of the early years of American fashion, showcasing prominent designers of the 1940s to 1970s. The Oshkosh Public Library presents this event in partnership with the Winnebago County Historical and Archaeological Society.
“What better and more entertaining way to look at the history of the fashion industry than with a vintage style show,” says Janice Dibble, Head of Reference and Adult Services. “Scott gives the audience a guided tour through several decades of fashion, using exquisite pieces from his collection to tell the story of the designers that influenced American style.”
Designers featured in Jorgenson’s program include familiar names and those not so commonly known – Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Suzy Perette, Arnold Scaasi and Pauline Trigere to name a few. There also will be dresses from the custom salons of stores such as Marshall Field, Bergdorf Goldman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
For added ambiance, local pianist Dick Branigan will entertain the audience with tunes from the 1940s-1970s for about 30 minutes before the program begins. The library also has a special display of books on fashion on the 2nd floor, complete with two examples of popular styles from the 1940s and 1950s from Atomic Katz, a downtown vintage apparel store.
Seating for this event is limited, so tickets are required. Free tickets are available at the library’s 2nd floor Reference Desk.
