The theme for the 2014 Costume Institute exhibit has been announced, and it’s a good one.
The theme has been revealed as “Charles James: Beyond Fashion,” and will focus on the work of the man who is said to have been America’s first couturier.
Charles James grew up on England and attended the prestigious Harrow School, where he formed lifelong friendships with some very influential designers, including Cecil Beaton. After being kicked out of Harrow he moved on to New York City, and by age 19 had opened his first hat shop. From there he began designing dresses. In 1947 Charles showed one of his most successful collections in Paris.
For many people, the name Charles James doesn’t even begin to ring a bell, which may make this decision seem a bit strange to some. However, Harold Koda, the curator of The Costume Institute, believes it’s just that that makes this the most fabulous choice of all. He told Women’s Wear Daily,
Part of the reason we’re doing James is because, to the fashion specialist, everyone knows James, but to the audience at large, he is one of those names that, because he doesn’t have a surviving label or brand, is forgotten.”