Open now at the FIDM Museum, BLISS: 19th-Century Wedding Gowns from The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection explores the evolving silhouette of 19th-century wedding gowns. From the simple sheaths of the First Empire to the complicated draperies of the Gilded Age, BLISS features a wedding gown from each decade of the 19th-century. Meant to celebrate a single day, these rare ensembles continue to inspire nostalgic happy-ever-afters.
Wedding Ensemble (foreground)
Europe, c. 1828
Silk jacquard & aerophane
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.10.5AB (Gown), L2011.13.1118 (Veil)
Wedding Ensemble (background)
Europe or United States, c. 1845
Silk satin, organza & braid
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.13.275 (Gown), L2011.13.425 (Bonnet), L2011.13.211 (Handkerchief)
Wedding Ensemble
Great Britain, c. 1855
Silk taffeta, netting, ribbon & lace
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.13.276A-C
Wedding Ensemble
Great Britain, c. 1865-66
Silk satin, linen gauze, swansdown, ribbon & lace
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.13.346A-D (Gown), L2011.13.474 (Toque), L2011.13.1121 (Veil)
Wedding Gown altered into Court Presentation Gown
Europe, c. 1885
Silk satin, netting, lace & faux pearls
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.13.129AB
Wedding Ensemble
London, c. 1890-91
Silk damask, satin, mousseline, taffeta, beads & pearls
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection
FIDM Museum Proposed Acquisition
L2011.13.13A-C/J
BLISS: 19th Century Wedding Gowns and the Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Both exhibitions are free to all visitors. Exhibition tours with FIDM Museum curators are available via advance reservation. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit our website.
