Drawing Inspiration

Discover vintage couture millinery reimagined in this exciting collaboration between the Milliners Guild and the Dallas Public Library!

The Guild recently discovered a trove of original millinery sketches at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas. Represented in the collection of over 60 hand-drawn fashion illustrations are some of the most famous couture houses of the 20th century including Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, and Jeanne Lanvin. These sketches, used by the custom salon at Bergdorf Goodman to reproduce licensed copies, were aquired by the Dallas Public Library in the early 2010s

The exhibition will feature over 30 hats created by 21st century milliners, with a nod to the couture hat designers of the past.

Thoughtfully reinterpreted through modern milliners’ hands, these hats will visually express how a single idea can unfold into infinite design possibilities and how there is a distinct difference between copying or reproducing a fashion object and using it as an initial point of reference.

What to Expect:

• A selection of the original sketches on display
• 30 + millinery creations inspired by the original sketches
• Live millinery demos
• A moderated panel discussion about the creation of hats for this unique collaboration between the DPL and the Milliners Guild.
• The opportunity to mingle with members of the Guild and learn about their craft.
• Vintage (or vintage-inspired) attire is encouraged!

“Drawing Inspiration" and associated programs are open to the public and free to attend.