The FIDM Museum is in the final days of a major fundraising campaign to purchase the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, a private collection of 1,400 historic garments and accessories from four centuries. Each Friday, this blog will present exquisite pieces from the Larson Collection.

Afternoon Dress
United States
c. 1908
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection

Paired with a flower-trimmed straw hat, this white handkerchief-linen dress embroidered in blue cotton thread and trimmed with cotton crochet lace is a breath of summertime in the depths of winter. This rare survival is a type of garment often called a a "lingerie dress." Popular from about 1900 to 1910, these lightweight, light-colored dresses were adorned with embroidery, lace, cutwork, ruffles, and ribbons similar to the embellishments found on women's undergarments. They could be worn for daytime events such as garden parties, promenades, and horse races. As Harper's Bazaar noted in April 1909, "The lingerie dress is one of the most vitally important item[s] of the summer outfit" (vol. 43, p. 426).
Hat
Europe or United States
c. 1908
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection

The FIDM Museum has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire these rare and beautiful objects–and many more like them–before the Larson Collection is dispersed forever or sold into private hands. But we need your help to save the Larson Collection. Time is running out! Please make a contribution online or by mail, or join our #4for400 social media campaign to donate $4 (or more) by texting "Museum" to 243725. Donations are tax deductible; if your company or organization has a matching gift program, your support will go even further. You can also help by spreading the word on social media, using the #4for400 hashtag. The FIDM Museum only has until the end of the month to finish raising the necessary funds, so please join the campaign and help save 400 years of fashion history!