By Renee Larr
Do you love history but also have a passion for fashion? The Carmel Clay Public Library has just the event for you.
The Empire Strikes Back: A Bicentennial of Indiana Fashion will take place at 2 p.m. July 17 in the program room. The show will honor Indiana’s 200th birthday while showcasing clothing trends from long ago.
“It’s part of our Bicentennial series of programs that we planned at the beginning of the year. This is our big one for July,” said Beth Jenneman, CCPL communications manager. “It’s basically a fashion show that spans many years. It’s a century of fashion from 1816 to 1916. They’re even going to have one special costume from 1776.”
Models will walk the runway in period outfits as each era is described. Guests will be able to see just how much trends have changed in 200 years.
“Julie Hughes used to work for the Bartholomew County Historical Society. She will narrate the whole thing, so she’ll talk about each era. That’s where it will be specific to Indiana. She’ll talk about what was going in Indiana history within that era with each model,” Jenneman said.
The models are more than just pretty faces, though.
“Another interesting thing about it, with the exception of one costume, all the clothing is handmade by the models who are going to wear them,” Jenneman said.
Once the runway show is over the models will work the room and allow guests to see the costumes up close and personal.
“Then people can talk to the models and ask questions after the show is over,” Jenneman said. “It’ll be both visual and educational.”
Historical refreshments will be served, as well. There is no cost to attend and no need to register in advance. For more, visit carmel.lib.in.us.
