Mystic Museum of Art (MMoA) will present Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways, a major summer exhibition exploring the history, artistry, labor, and cultural impact of textiles in Connecticut from the precolonial era through contemporary fashion.
The exhibition examines how luxury has been created, defined, and transformed over time through material culture, craftsmanship, immigration, and industry.
Inspired by southeastern Connecticut’s historic velvet industry, Luxe, CT brings together historic and contemporary examples of beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, and fashion from regional institutional partners and MMoA’s permanent collection.
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Historic Stonington, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, and Mystic Seaport Museum.
Visitors will encounter objects that reveal stories of labor, innovation, community traditions, and evolving systems of value across generations. The exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut ties, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som.
“Luxe, CT invites visitors to revel in fashion across centuries and discover the deeper human stories woven into every textile and garment,” said Alana Ryder, Executive Director. “This exhibition connects regional history to contemporary conversations around identity, community, and creative expression.”
https://mysticmuseumofart.org/event_program/luxe-ct-velvet-mills-to-modern-runways/
$12 General
$10 Residents of New London County, seniors (65+), and students with ID
Free: MMoA members, youth 17 and under, and military (active and vets)
Monday – Sunday, 11AM – 5PM (EST)
9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355
