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20th Century Fashion & Furniture workshop at the ROM, Sunday February 5

Posted by on Jan 19, 2017 in General | 0 comments

And what a century it was! Gallery visits and touchable objects illustrate the incredible 20th century stylistic developments from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern. Fashion expert Dawna Pym introduces you to some of the ROM’s newest acquisitions, and delves into the trends of the times. This full day workshop will include illustrated talks and tours of ROM galleries. Lunch is included in registration. Sunday, February 5, 2017, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm Registration fee $80 Visit the ROM website to book your...

CSO AGM “GUEST STAR!” Saturday, November 26, 2016, 1pm

Posted by on Oct 16, 2016 in General | 0 comments

New international fashion star, Ashley Alexis McFarlane, will be the special guest speaker at the Costume Society General Meeting, Saturday, November 26, 2016 commencing at 1 p.m. at the historic Montgomery’s Inn. The Inn is located at the corner of. Ashley has wowed the fashion world by combining both her Canadian roots and her African heritage to create a fashion fusion delight. Melding traditional fabrics and designs with contemporary styles, she thrilled the attendees at African Fashion Week. Working with local native organizations and individuals in Africa to develop materials for fashion and bring them to world attention, has awakened an intense interest in new possibilities for textiles, design,...

Cloth Cultures: Future Legacies of Dorothy K. Burnham

Posted by on May 25, 2016 in General | 0 comments

An International Conference at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada November 10-12, 2017 Deadline for Submissions: September 15, 2016 During Canada’s 2017 Sesquicentennial celebrations, the Royal Ontario Museum will host an international conference to explore the material culture of textiles through the work and legacies of Dorothy K. Burnham (1911-2004), internationally renowned textile scholar and member of the Order of Canada (1985). Burnham was in the vanguard of the generation of early 20th century curators who made textiles and costume a field of valid scholarly research by finding out how and why objects are made in particular ways, what they meant when produced and what they mean to us...

CSO Coach trip to Lucile exhibition in Guelph and Fashion History Museum in Cambridge

Posted by on Apr 5, 2016 in General | 0 comments

The CSO is bussing to Guelph and Cambridge for a Special Day outing to visit, view and enjoy two special exhibitions and locations in celebration of our 45th Anniversary! The Guelph Museum is hosting an display of fashions by Lucile, Lady Duff Gordon, from around the continent! Tied to the Titanic and the inspiration for the Downton Abbey outfit craze, these are rarely seen gowns and dresses. The CSO gets an exclusive look and lecture! After the grand tour, hop back on the bus for a short trip to the Old Post Office at Hespeler, the New Home of the Fashion History Museum and CSO friends and family, Jonathan...

Costume Society of Ontario at the Spring vintage fair

Posted by on Feb 26, 2016 in General | 0 comments

Again this year, the Costume Society of Ontario will have a booth at the Spring Vintage/Antique Show and Sale, Saturday March 5 and Sunday March 6 at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place. Come out and explore wearable and household history from across the years. Drop by the CSO booth to hear the latest on what we’re up to and help out by bringing along friends and neighbours interested in fashion and costume as new CSO members! This is an exciting year for the CSO as it celebrates 45 years at the forefront of interest in fashion history. What better way to support the cause than to join...

Last week of Silhouettes in Time: One hundred Years of Fashion in Dundas

Posted by on Feb 7, 2016 in General | 0 comments

It’s the last week of “Silhouettes in Time: One hundred Years of Fashion in Dundas” in Dundas, Ontario. It ends on February 13 so now is the time to catch this large grouping of garments worn by Dundas residents in the 19th century with a few from the 18th century. There are some beautiful pieces in excellent condition with some unusual pieces including a red knitted “corset” complete with gored hip panels and metal busk....

Tour of ROM’s Viva Mexico exhibition

Posted by on Jan 27, 2016 in General | 0 comments

For our second outing in our anniversary year, our Stalwart Secretary, Dawna Pym, has arranged for the CSO members to have a special tour of the ROM exhibit: Viva Mexico, Clothing and Culture. Our intrepid Dawna will conduct the guided tour which has been arranged for Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. The cost is $ 21.50 per person for members and we’re following the tour up with an optional lunch gathering with ‘real’ Mexican food. There is an entire gallery dedicated to Mexican textiles, with many items never seen before. “The exhibit displays pieces with remarkable technical skill and exquisite artistry”. Items reflect historic and contemporary elements. There...

Hollywood Costume Design event Thursday January 28

Posted by on Jan 20, 2016 in General | 0 comments

Join us for a night all about Hollywood Costume Designer Orry Kelly, held at Spadina Museum on Thursday January 28, with doors opening at 6.45pm CSO member Diane Reid will be giving a talk about the illustrious career of hollywood costume designer Orry Kelly. He designed costumes in the first half of the twentieth century for movies such as Casablanca, Arsenic and Old Lace and An American in Paris.  He also designed for historic movies like The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (starring Bette Davis and Errol Flynn) which will be the focus of the night. This free presentation will be a beginning to our 45th Anniversary celebration...