That little black jacket has a big birthday

Tuxedo Historical Society is one of only four worldwide venues honoring the tuxedo’s 150th birthday, By Nancy Kriz TUXEDO — International men’s fashion experts knew there could only be one appropriate U.S. venue to commemorate the tuxedo’s 150th anniversary as an icon in men’s wear: Tuxedo Park. And this past weekend, the Tuxedo Historical Society opened an exhibition that will only be shown in four locations worldwide. “The Little Black Jacket - Celebrating 150 years of the Tuxedo,” offers exhibit-goers an opportunity to see the history and evolution of the garment that was first made in England 150 years ago but was eventually named “the tuxedo” after the Tuxedo Park community. “Anybody who has put on a tuxedo or who has an interest in the garment knows it denotes influence and affluence,” said Tuxedo Historical Society Executive Director Deborah Harmon. “But in America, it’s not just something the upper class wear. It symbolizes what we wear to special events.” Project 'takes on life of its own’ The exhibit, designed by the London College Fashion (LCF), one of the world’s leading providers of fashion education, has already been extended through Nov. 6 and will be the only U.S./North American showing. The exhibit recently completed its London tour and will travel to Brazil, India and Japan in 2012 for its only other installations. The exhibit’s significance, she added, is on par with the Smithsonian’s permanent exhibit of First Ladies’ inaugural gowns because of its importance to the fashion world, culture and historical connections. Harmon said the college purposely declined having a New York City locale “to collaborate in the celebration but rather turned to the community where it all began.” The college contacted the historical society last February to ask it to be its American partner in the exhibit that would team LCF tailoring students with internationally renowned Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co. and French fabric supplier Dormeuil on a project to re-invent the Tuxedo for the 21st century, according to Harmon. Digital slide show At the historical society, Harmon said, visitors will have the opportunity “to chart the tuxedo” from its invention by London’s Henry Poole & Co. in 1860 to its first being worn in domestically by Tuxedo Club members to “the legendary status that is has today as the gentleman’s choice of attire for significant events.” “Re-inventing” the tuxedo for the 21st century were a group of LCF honors tailoring students partnered with actors from the Drama Centre at LCF’s Sister College Central Saint Martin’s to create tailor-made tuxedos. Students vied in a competition to choose the best design with the winner receiving an internship with Henry Poole & Co. To illustrate the creative process, a documentary and black and white fashion short film have been produced. Both will are on view to THS visitors. Additionally, several examples from the LCF student tuxedo design competition as well as black and white portraits especially commissioned for the project are also on display. The historical society is also displaying vintage formal wear from its own collection as well as diverse objects that chose the word “tuxedo” as a marketing tool. The group is also seeking photos of Tuxedo wearers throughout the years for its archive and will be showing many of them in a digital slide show throughout the exhibition. “We have marveled at how a Native American word for the lake in our town so quickly came to evoke quality and sophistication,” said Harmon. “We’re also working with LCF for a permanent formal wear exhibit here. This project has taken on a life of its own and the interest has been tremendous. This is a blockbuster show.” If you go To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the tuxedo, the Tuxedo Historical Society presents: “The Little Black Jacket - Celebrating 150 Years of the Tuxedo.” Due to its popularity, the exhibit has already been extended to run through Sunday, Nov. 6 Admission is free. Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. Friday: 3 to 7 p.m. Special showings can be arranged for schools and other groups. The historical society is located off of Route 17 at 7 Hospital Road (the former Methodist Church) in Tuxedo Park. To learn more, call 351-2926 or e-mail to: tuxedoanniversary@gmail.com.