Suit Yourself! 75 Years of Powerful Style

The definition of a power suit has undeniably undergone a transformation. The New York Times writes that “ once upon a time, power dressing was identified with the uniform of the ruling class, whether demarcated by gender or profession or race, and those who would have access to it .” Today, people suit up — ironically — when it suits them; and we’ve witnessed women’s suits in particular eb and flow in style, popularity and prominence as the times change.

Drexel University’s Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection (FHCC) of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design will showcase the many revolving styles of women’s suits with its next exhibition Suit Yourself! 75 Years of Powerful Style Friday, opening Oct. 11 through Thursday, March 13.

The exhibition will feature elegant ensembles crafted by Gilbert Adrian in the 1940s; iconic Chanel suits embraced by the working women of the 1950s – and reinvented by Karl Lagerfeld. Pantsuits of the 1970s will be on display with a contemporary update by Argent alongside pieces from the “pioneer of power dressing” Giorgio Armani. Alexander McQueen’s masterful Savile Row tailoring will be represented alongside many other celebrated designers.

Images courtesy of Drexel Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Philadelphia, PA, USA.