The day arrived when we (two visitors from France) were scheduled to review the Chic Chicago exhibit at the Chicago History Museum but we awoke to a dark, grey sky and heavy rain. It felt like the odds were against us, and this day we had been waiting for so long might be ruined.  We definitely thought it would be our worst day so far.  Nonetheless, we headed to the Chicago History Museum not sure if it would be worth our effort.

The 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo low-rider

When we arrived, both of us were soaked to the skin, but as we entered the museum lobby we were amazed and delighted by the décor and immediately felt better.  What a surprise to see a 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo low-rider parked right there in front of the tickets-offices with the great neon colorful lights flashing the words “Cinema” or even “Gas for less”. It was quite funny to see how all these items gave the museum’s entrance a kind of a retro aspect. This crazy picture seemed so unreal because we could not even tell we were in a History museum but more like we were extras shooting a movie scene, waiting for the director that would clap and shout “…and action!” This sounds crazy, we know, but you really have to see it!

Julius Meinl Café

We had another nice surprise when we noticed that the food concession in the museum is run by Julius Meinl café.  Having been to one of the other Meinl Cafes, which we enjoyed and being quite hungry we did not think twice about comforting ourselves with some delicious hot chocolate and cookies, which lifted our spirits. This was a special treat because for a while, we felt like we were back home in France, in a trendy and chic café français. Now energized and in a better mood we moved on to explore the wonderful Chic Chicago fashion exhibit.

On our way we visited an extraordinary exhibit, which is dedicated to the “queen of Chicago society”, Bertha Honoré Palmer.  On the anniversary of her 160th birthday, the Museum presented a selection of Palmer’s clothing and personal effects to honor one of the most significant figure in late 19th century America. Visiting her world was a memorable experience, an invitation to a former period, a return to the old-Chicago… a journey into Bertha Honoré Palmer’s life we will never forget.

During her lifetime, Palmer was the epitome of Chicago's early prosperity and she felt a responsability to use her fortune to represent her city

Entering the room there was a huge full-length portrait of Bertha Honoré Palmer _ dressed in a bright white evening gown and holding a spectre above her left shoulder_ hung on the wall as if Palmer herself invited us in to discover her garments and treasures. We were struck by this magnificent painting and especially by her royal posture. But it was not only the portrait that was royal but surely all the clothing was, too.

A Dog-collar every lady would love to wear ...

“This is a dream...“ These are the four words we spoke when we first took a look all around the room, eyes wide opened. We truly believed, for a minute, that we were dreaming. And we could not even blink as we were so overwhelmed by what we had discovered: each and every one of her gowns was made to her specification, whether from pure silk, velvet, fur or lambs wool. Styles were sophisticated, workmanship was perfection and the result sublime.

One of Palmer's couture treasures

There is no other word to qualify the dresses of this Victorian Grande Dame. We could be staring at them for hours on end. All these clothes seemed so “alive” as if they were on the edge of revealing secrets about her life.  The fact that all the garments had been worn by Bertha Honoré Palmer,-a Chicagoan queen, a historic figure-gave this exhibition a very special energy.

We will always remember the last evening gown we viewed: a gorgeous silky beige dress decorated with some shinning black and white pearls, which reminded us of the one that Kate Winslet had worn in the Titanic movie... “Oh my, how we would love to try this one on…” we daydreamed while staring at the wonderful dress.
With this nostalgic thought we moved on to the Chic Chicago fashion exhibit.

Gown 1878 - Cream silk brocade, lace, gold and yellow satin. Worn by Mrs. Augustus Newland Eddy

The instant we pushed the glass doors to enter the Chic Chicago section, we felt as though we were at a real fashion show. From then, it was no longer just an exhibit we were exploring but “total emersion” into the Art of fashion. Everything was magical: the spotlights pointed at the dummies dressed with beautiful couture treasures posing gracefully on a large snow-white podium gave to the viewers the feeling of attending an exclusive fashion event.

In 1913, Poiret designed for Miss Anita Blair this stylish gown

There was another very important enhancement - the music. A small detail, perhaps, but, we could not forget the music even if we wanted to. As we are writing these lines, we still have Marilyn Monroe’s song "Diamonds are the girl’s best friend" in mind! This song immediately drove us way back in time, when some couturiers were just starting out in this art of fashion.

Smoke-gray chiffon, rhinestones and silver beads. Worn by Mrs. Potter Palmer II when she was presented to the Queen of England in 1938

It was surprising to see all the pieces of the exhibit brought to life through the stories behind the women who wore them. Notably, women such as Mrs. Potter Palmer II, Mrs. Charles S. Dewey, Ruth Page, Mrs. William McCormick Blair and even Oprah Winfrey! Yes! You read right ladies!

Entitled “Robe de Style,” this dress is made of egg shell moiré, crystal beads, and pearls. Worn by Mrs. Charles S. Dewey when presented to the Court of Saint James in 1927

And do you know what is even more surprising? Well... the pieces were worn for events like the Coronation of King Edward VII, the Court of Saint James in 1927 and to meet the Queen of England in 1938! It is not easy to believe that, is it? And it is even more unbelievable to get the privilege of manipulating the scale models and the tiny pieces of materials offered as testers that viewers are asked to touch and also to smell sweet fragrances like Chanel N°5 by Chanel or Je reviens Couture by Worth.

The gorgeous "Butterfly" gown designed by Charles James in 1954

It would be a mistake to say that it was just some fashion exhibit. This exhibit re-defines “fashion” and highlights the hard work of the greatest couturiers of our time in the history of fashion _ from 1861 through 2008 _ and their ingenious efforts to make women the most beautiful creatures on earth through garments. The room featured incredible fashion models designed by international houses of couture such as Valentino, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Versace, Mugler, Chanel, Madame Grés, Givenchy, Chaumont, Cardin…and many, many more.

We were awed by both exhibits and would have to describe both the  Chic Chicago and Bertha Honoré Palmer exhibits as just sparkling, glittering, dazzling, charming, lovely, hypnotizing.  It was both incredible and impressive to discover that the Chicago History Museum shelters a vast collection of treasures; both jewels and gowns from the 19th century to the present.

The most fanciest dress of the exhibit!

Now, we would like to tell you something-you, the reader who took the time to read each and every word of this article: if you enjoyed this, then just go to the Chicago History Museum and discover these wonderful collections.  You will not regret it, we guarantee.   And by the way, do not forget to stop by the Museum’s store where there are wonderful souvenirs of this memorable tour…

The Museum's store

Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois, 60614 – 6038

For more information, call 312 642 4600 or visit www.chicagohistory.org

Photos: Chicago History Museum and Nacéra Kassi

"Chicago may be a man's town, but its history is emblazoned with the names of women—women whose spirit or charm or accomplishments lent an air of splendor to the sprawling lustiness of the city."
Norma Lee Browning, Chicago Tribune, 1948