CONTACT: Meg Marcozzi, Hagley Museum
and Library Marketing Manager
(302) 658-2400, ext. 238 mmarcozzi@hagley.org
Wilmington,
Delaware – April 2013 – Hagley Museum and Library is displaying a portion of
its fashion collection for the first time in its newest exhibit, “Fashion Meets
Science: Introducing Nylon.” This exhibit
shows how nylon revolutionized the fashion industry and influenced how people
have dressed since its launch in 1938 by the DuPont Company. “Fashion Meets
Science: Introducing Nylon” opens on April 6, 2013, and runs through March 31,
2014. The exhibit is included in admission and free for members and children
five and under.
“Fashion
Meets Science: Introducing Nylon” celebrates the 75th anniversary of
nylon’s introduction to market. On October 27, 1938, a brand new material named
nylon was announced to the public. Created in DuPont’s labs, nylon
replaced silk in the ladies hosiery industry. Nylon was so popular that
its early sales created near riots. The highlight of the exhibit is the early
development of nylon and its impact on the fashion industry, but it includes
other uses for the discovery such as parachutes, toothbrushes, and carpet.
An Exhibit of Firsts
“Fashion
Meets Science: Introducing Nylon” highlights “firsts” of this discovery from
pure science. Visitors will be able to view the first polyamide fiber sample
(basis of nylon) and first souvenir sample of nylon thread, first all-nylon
woven fabric, one of the first pairs of stockings manufactured at the Experimental
Station, and the first pair of seamless stockings. The first wedding dress made
of nylon (1942), first dress made of 100 percent spun nylon (1949), and first
nylon football pants will also be on display in addition to other nylon
“firsts.”
Fashion Industry
Forever Changed
Nylon and other related synthetic
fibers made clothing that was durable, washable, stretchable, stain-resistant,
and affordable. Visitors can see the first nylon overlay lace dress (1940) and
a prototype black nylon nightgown from Vanity Fair (1947). Clothing made from
Qiana, a silky nylon fiber that debuted in the late 1960s and influenced
fashion of the disco era, will also be displayed. Featured Qiana items include
a Bill Blass Qiana Boudoir Robe (1968-1969), William Travilla Qiana evening
gown (1968-1969), Oscar de la Renta Qiana wrap dress (1968-1969), Charles
Kleibacker Qiana cocktail dress.
The
exhibit is sponsored, in part, by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., and Lyons
Companies.
At Hagley, we
invite people of all ages to investigate and experience the unfolding history
of American business, technology, and innovation, and its impact on the world,
from our home at the historic DuPont powder yards on the banks of the
Brandywine.
The museum is located on Route 141 in Wilmington,
Delaware. Admission to the entire 235-acre museum is $14 for adults, $10 for
students and senior citizens, $5 for children six to fourteen, and free for
members and children five and under. Exhibit-only Admission is $6 for adults,
$2 for children six through fourteen, and free for members and children five
and under. Call (302) 658-2400 weekdays for more information or visit
www.hagley.org.
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| A two-ton model of actress Marie Wilson’s leg, produced to advertise a Los Angeles hosiery shop, 1945-1950 |
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