Embrace the Opulence: Indian Embroidery Takes Center Stage in Global Fashion

High Fashion on View

The magic of shimmering sequins, intricate beadwork, and delicate embroidery elevates everyday garments into extraordinary fashion statements. These sophisticated techniques have captivated fashion lovers worldwide, yet few know their origin — India, the birthplace of these dazzling surface designs.

"Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World" is a CVAD Gallery exhibition that celebrates the artistry of Indian artisans, showcasing high-fashion garments adorned with intricate surface motifs. Featuring over 30 exquisite designs by renowned Indian and Euro-American fashion luminaries such as Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, Mary McFadden, Todd Oldham, Dries Van Noten, and Vera Wang, this exhibition invites you to explore the creativity, craftsmanship, and labor behind these luxurious creations.

Exhibition

"Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World"
Oct. 1, 2024–Feb. 1, 2025
CVAD Gallery, UNT Art Building, Room 160, 1201 W. Mulberry, Denton, Texas

Designer Talk: Ashish Gupta

"A Conversation with ASHISH" Canceled.
Oct. 23, 6 p.m.
Patterson-Appleton Arts Center
400 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
Organized by the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design Galleries and Texas Fashion Collection with support from the UNT Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series and the Greater Denton Arts Council.

Exhibition Reception

Oct. 24, 2024, 5–7 p.m.
5:30 p.m.: Remarks by UNT Dean Karen Hutzel, CVAD, and Annette Becker, TFC director
CVAD Gallery, Art Building, Room 160, 1201 W. Mulberry, Denton, Texas
Free | Open to the Public | Complimentary food and beverages
Dress: Cocktail attire, especially with sequins and embellishments, is encouraged but not required!
Registration is encouraged, not required, through Eventbrite.

Guided Tours: register through Eventbrite
 

Gallery Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m., and
Thursday, Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday–Monday: Closed
For university closures and additional information, visit the CVAD Hours and CVAD Gallery web pages.

More about the Exhibition

Curated from the nationally recognized Texas Fashion Collection, an archive of nearly 20,000 garments and accessories housed at the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, the exhibition highlights the fusion of tradition and innovation in fashion. It is a tribute to the artisans whose skillful hands bring designers’ visions to life.

This celebration of artistry is made possible through the generous support of artifact donors, designer Ashish Gupta, the Mercedes T. Bass Charitable Corporation, the Denton Visual Arts Center, and the UNT Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series.

For those eager to delve deeper into Indian embroidery and its global influence, contact Annette Becker, director of the Texas Fashion Collection, at cvad.TFC@unt.edu.

Prepare to be enchanted by the opulent world of Indian embroidery, where luxury and craftsmanship intertwine!

Image Descriptions
1. Detail photograph of dark blue velour fabric with an arching motif created with various crystals, beads, and sequins in light blue, silver, and iridescent pinks and blues. The motif includes an arch culminating in a round motif with hearts and lines of beads radiating towards another motif resembling a planet with rings. The arch contains half-circles of silver sequins, and above them are almond-shaped motifs resembling mandalas.

2. A striking photograph of a full-length dark blue velour dress crafted from fabric and sequins, adorned with oversized swirling motifs in silver, light green, and pink. The dress is elegantly displayed on a white mannequin against a pristine white backdrop.

Image credit: Manish Arora, dress with embellishments, Fall 2017, TFC purchase.

Questions

Email the Texas Fashion Collection, cvad.TFC@unt.edu. 

Media Contact: Lisa Sciortino, Lisa.Sciortino@unt.edu, UNT Media Relations, 940-565-3501.