Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion

I had the privilege of viewing Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion on Sunday at the Peabody Essex Museum. Though I love to frequent museums in Boston and along the North Shore, it was actually my first time since March 2020. Like most activities, I didn’t feel it necessary to “take a chance.” But when I heard about all of the safety protocols that the PEM had put into place, I felt comfortable with venturing out for a morning of culture. 

Here is what you need to know about the safety protocols that the PEM is taking to ensure a sanitary and enjoyable experience for their patrons, as well as details on Made It which  you can view at the museum through March 14.

Getting There

Because many of the local businesses are closed or working on restricted hours or capacity, Salem is much quieter than usual. You’ll also find ample parking in the area surrounding the museum. To be safe, we parked in the Museum Place Garage and for two hours it cost less than $5 to park.

Safety Protocols

You have to purchase your tickets in advance and each entry is given an assigned arrival time. We had 10 a.m. tickets to the museum with a 10:15 entrance into the exhibit. When we arrived we had to wait outside in a line and when we made it into the door, a greeter asked us a short series of questions about any possible exposure to Covid. Then we checked in with the front desk where there are large plexiglass separators for both our safety and theirs. 

The coat room and lockers are closed, but they have provided open cubbies if you really want to leave your coat. At almost every door they have installed an automatic opener where you wave your hand to avoid having to touch handles. In the elevators, a napkin dispenser is next to the buttons. Though you are allowed to make your way through the exhibits at your leisure, and even go back through rooms if you like, only so many people are allowed in each space.

The Exhibit

Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion recognizes women’s often-overlooked contributions to the fashion and design industry. While many names you will recognize, like Elsa Schiaparelli, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, The Olsen Twins (The Row), Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, there are many names that you will not recognize like Mary Todd Lincoln’s seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley. Keckley was born a slave and used her skills as a seamstress to buy her own freedom. 

Divided into five sections, the exhibit covers over 250 years of sartorial history with 100 unique and gorgeous designs. It examines the rising and dropping of hemlines, bathing suits (including the burkini), work wear, evening wear, street fashion, ready-to-wear and haute couture. While sequins, glass beads and ruffles appear here and there, feminism can be felt throughout. 

The exhibit pulls back the curtain on the important role that fashion has played in women’s suffrage, women leaving behind the kitchen to enter the work place, and the overall fight for equality of the sexes. It reflects societal changes and the need to move forward.

As someone who has always adored fashion, I recognize that it can also be a sign of resistance and provocation which is how the exhibit concludes.  We use it as a way to attract as well as deflect. A new outfit can symbolize the beginning of a new life or career. Fashion promotes communication and connection, and that is what Made It is all about.

Ultimately what I walked away with is the realization that while many male designers do their best to dictate the silhouettes and styles of each generation, female designers focus more on the needs and desires of women and let that dictate their work. 

Which, let’s face it, is what women do. We’re listeners. We recognize a need and we meet it. The exceptional women featured in Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion met the need while making women feel beautiful.

They did what we all should do. They lifted their fellow woman up so that they could feel their best, look their best, and succeed. 

Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion ends it’s run at The Peabody Essex Museum on March 14. 

Thank you so much to the PEM for having me!

*I was provided with complimentary passes to the PEM and Made It. My opinion, however, is as always, my own.