Exhibition Of Evening Wear By Arnold Scaasi Opens At Colorado State University's Gustafson Gallery Sept. 19
Wednesday, September 17, 1997
FORT COLLINS--An exhibition of select evening wear donated
by New York designer Arnold Scaasi opens at Colorado State
University's Gustafson Gallery with a reception 4-6 p.m.,
Sept. 19 in Room 145 Gifford Building. The reception is free and
open to the public.
The donation, valued at $54,000, includes 39 extraordinary
ball gowns and evening dresses replete with intricate draping,
rich jewel tones and close attention to detail. The donation was
made to Colorado State's Historic Costume and Textiles Collection
in the department of design, merchandising and consumer sciences.
"We're excited to be a part of the Arnold Scaasi legacy and
to have the opportunity to display his beautiful creations," said
Linda Carlson, curator at the Gustafson Gallery. "The evening
wear will add immeasurably to the Historic and Costume and
Textiles Collection, and it will benefit students and others who
are interested in studying the work of leading designers."
Scaasi, who is known primarily for his designs of glamorous
evening wear, was born in Canada and began his career with
Charles James in the 1950s. Caroline Milbank, author of "Couture
and New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style," said
Scaasi's designs are "blends of three elements: cut, fabric and
color...variations of the hourglass shape, with long torsos
highlighted by skirts held away from the body in asymmetric
curves, bustles, poufs, trumpet shapes...Above the waist his
dresses usually frame the bustline, shoulders and neck."
Well-known clients of Scaasi include Barbra Streisand, who
wore a see-through black silk jumpsuit to the 1969 Oscar
ceremonies, and Barbara Bush, who wore a dark sapphire velvet and
satin gown to the Inaugural Ball.
The evening wear will be shown at the Gustafson Gallery on
campus through Nov. 21. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
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