Earlier this spring the Hermitage opened an exhibition of items from a lesser-known collection of the museum: the personal clothing and accessories of the museum’s founder, Florence K. Sloane (1873–1953). This exhibit offers visitors a one-of-a kind opportunity to view a range of vintage clothing, from the early 1900s to the 1930s, that is rarely displayed throughout the museum. From simple, pre-war daywear to lavish and vibrant evening attire of the 1920s, these items reflect the aesthetic taste and personal preferences of a leading philanthropist and arts advocate.

Below you will find short, educational videos from our Curator of Collections, Lindsay Neal, about the individual objects in the show, and her process of curating each gallery. Links to the Hermitage blog and additional information about the exhibition are located at the end of the page.

A special thank you to Christopher Neal for capturing our textile assessment and the process of putting together and dressing mannequins for the exhibition.

EXPLORE THE GALLERIES AND GARMENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

EXHIBITION DETAILS

HERMITAGE BLOG

IMAGES