Book Event: Gilded Age Fashion by Dr. Elizabeth L. Block
In partnership with our friends at Charter Books, join us for an event with author Dr. Elizabeth Block as she shares the details and stories that bring garments to life, revealing the personal narratives and politics that shape American clothing.
The evening will begin with an unveiling of a new rotation of fashion objects from Doris Duke’s wardrobe on view in our special exhibition Fashioning Resiliency: Doris Duke’s Legacy of Conservation, followed by an illustrative talk by Dr. Elizabeth Block. Dr. Block will be on hand after the talk to sign and personalize copies of her book.
Doors open at 5:00 PM for viewing of Fashioning Resiliency and the talk begins at 5:30 PM.
$15 general admission; FREE for Newport County Residents. Please register here in advance.
About Gilded Age Fashion:
Transport yourself to the Gilded Age. Discover its most influential fashions with this in-depth look at fifty gowns created by the late 19th-century founders of couture. The book highlights a selection from renowned museum collections.
Author Elizabeth Block details the social etiquette and customs that guided the sartorial choices of the fabulously wealthy. Each sumptuous gown featured tells a story about its creator and the woman who wore it, and the opulent balls, opera nights, charity benefits, and society weddings she might have attended. Three illustrated sections are organized by the times of day when the finest quality clothing was worn, from an afternoon dress by Emile Pingat to a custom-made silk ball gown by Charles Frederick Worth.
About Elizabeth L. Block:
Elizabeth L. Block, an art historian, is a Senior Editor in the Publications and Editorial Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dr. Block earned her PhD in art history at The Graduate Center, City University of New York. She also holds an MA in American Studies from Columbia University, and a BA in English and Art History from The George Washington University. She is also the author of Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing, and Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion. Her articles appear in American Art, Town & Country, and Slate.
About our partner, Charter Books:
Founded in 2020, Charter Books is a Newport-based business whose mission is to cultivate community and a robust local culture through a broad selection of books, programming, and the free exchange of ideas. We’re committed to exceptional customer service and the values of inclusion, diversity, and independence.
