The Fashion Archive at UA

Unshined shoes are the end of civilization.

Diana Vreeland

“Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.”
– Irish Apfel

Alright, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!

The glitz and glamour of Judith Leiber.

It’s all about the details!

Flounces and lace inserts.

1900-1910 childs dress from the Maryon Pittman Allen Collection.

It’s all about the details!

Crochet covered buttons.

1909-1914 dress from the Maryon Pittman Allen Collection.

It’s all about the details!

Bronze metal lace and beaded tassels.

1911-1914 dress from the Maryon Pittman Allen Collection.

The shoe collection is currently in the unboxing stage and interns Paige Becwar, Jamie Papazis, and Kaylen Ruffin have been carefully cleaning each pair.

Some have required extra special care!

They are arranging the shoes in storage by decade in our new glass front units. This project will continue for several more months - 500+ shoes!

Will share the details!

As interns in The Fashion Archive, Anna Liebbe and Emma Estill have been tasked with photographing a collection of jewelry and entering the information for each object into the database.

As you can see there is an assortment of sparkling necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches!

Next they will organize the collection by type and size then place the objects into storage drawers on archival mounts.

Interns Gaby Aldridge, Ashley Morris, and Sophie Ratkovic are currently working on our Judith Leiber handbag collection.

Donated by Elizabeth Butler Warner in 2003, this 58 piece collection has minaudières as well as fabric and leather bags showcasing the talents of this world-renowned designer.

The handbags have all been cleaned by the interns and they are now ready to build the custom storage mounts.

More to follow!

PS: Sophie is not featured here - she is currently in NYC working in the DVF showroom for Sample Sale week.

Meet our incredible conservation interns, Gracey Woodson & Juliana Ogden!

They're hard at work on conditions reports for the Maryon Pittman Allen collection.

Allen, journalist and U.S. Senator from Alabama, dedicated her later years to restoring antique clothing in Birmingham.

Stay tuned for a closer look into this fascinating collection!