Photography by Kelsey Shoemaker.
During your recent visit to NorthPark, you may have noticed mannequins wearing unique attire on level one, part of a new exhibition at the mall.
The exhibition, “Labor of Luxury,” is a collection from the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas and features fifteen designs from Indian designers with designs rooted in cultural heritage to craft garments with global appeal. Featured Indian designers include Naeem Khan, ASHISH, Manish Arora and the brand Papa Don’t Preach. The exhibition showcases collaborations between Euro-American and Indian designers and artisans.
The collection features shimmering sequins, intricate beadwork and delicate embroidery. While many Euro-American luxury designers gain loyal followers for these tecniques, the collection notes that most of the trends surface from India.
The designs are sourced from the Texas Fashion Collection, an archive housing nearly 20,000 historic and designer garments and accessories at the University of North Texas. Originally founded by Neiman Marcus and transferred to UNT in 1972, the Texas Fashion Collection utilizes its archive for educational purposes.
The exhibition was curated by Annette Becker, TFC director, with support from Ailie Pankonien, TFC collection manager, and students Anna Smith, Annie Puga, Collin Farley, Gabby Goldstein, Jarryd Lara and Isabel Saldivar.
A second iteration of the exhibit will be displayed in the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design Gallery from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1, 2025.
The fashion exhibition follows Fleurs de Villes.
The exhibition is currently on view on level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom from April 8 to May 19.
