McCord Launches Public Appeal for 1960's Clothing and Accessories

Montreal, Friday, January 30, 2004 — The McCord Museum is widely known for its outstanding collection of historic costume and textiles made and worn in Canada. Indeed, this unparalleled cultural resource is the world's largest collection of specifically Canadian garments and accessories.

While many of us may associate "historic costume" with top hats and 19th-century ball gowns, the term also includes more recent fashion statements. In keeping with Montreal-area museums' recent interest in all things 1960s, the McCord is turning an acquiring eye towards the fashionable remnants of this stylish decade.

This public appeal for donations aims to fill a gap in the Museum's holdings. "We do already possess some very good examples of 60s fashion," explains Cynthia Cooper, Curator of Costume and Textiles, "but in terms of building a research collection, we're just beginning." Ms. Cooper also emphasizes the importance of documenting our recent past, for the sake of future scholars: "Who knows what sorts of things will no longer be around 50 years from now?"

So what exactly is the McCord looking for? "Garments by Canadian and Montreal designers always interest us," says Ms. Cooper, "especially when they are accompanied by bills of sale, photos or stories about where the garment was worn, when, and by whom." Some Montreal designer names of the period include France Davies, Jacques de Montjoye, Mario di Nardo, Eve Lyn, Michel Robichaud, Léo Chevalier, John Warden, Marielle Fleury and Vali.

Of course, some items are considered typical, even iconic, of the 1960s. Who could forget the mini-skirt, "go-go" boots, and paper dresses, the explosion in youthful fashions, not to mention all those clothes with plastic or vinyl ornamentation and big metal zippers? In terms of menswear, Ms. Cooper has her eye on Nehru-style jackets, collarless suits, and the very colourful clothing that was part of that decade's "peacock revolution."

Potential donors are urged to search their closets for 60s-era garments with a particular connection to Montreal's and Canada's fashion industry, such as clothing from stores like Le Château or Dupuis Frères, or those with labels from other Montreal or Canadian manufacturers. The McCord is also looking to add further examples of Expo 67 hostess uniforms to its collection.

Finally, the McCord always harbours an interest in the seemingly mundane fashion of daily life. Luckily, there is a better chance of finding garments of this kind from an era as recent as the 1960s (perhaps they are still being worn!). Examples might include: men's, women's and children's sportswear and separates; all types of underwear; bathing suits; stockings and tights; nightwear and dressing gowns; accessories, such as hair accessories or neckties; items purchased from Eaton's or Simpsons-Sears mail order catalogues; or work clothing.

Women's hats, men's formal wear, and wedding attire are already well represented in the McCord's collection. Additional examples of these items types of garments are not likely to be acquired.

Interested donors should call 398-7100, extension 600, and leave a detailed message describing their donations.

Nike Langevin
(514) 398-7100, ext. 251
nike.langevin@mccord.mcgill.ca

690 SHERBROOKE STREET WEST
MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC CANADAH3A 1E9
Tel.: (514) 398-7100 Fax: (514) 398-5045
info@mccord.mcgill.ca
www.mccord-museum.qc.ca