National Recognition for the Couture Pattern Museum

We are excited to share that Marilyn Kirschner, former editor of Harper's Bazaar and a renowned New York-based fashion writer, has featured the Couture Pattern Museum in Lookonline. This article, which includes a quote from the renowned couturier, Ralph Rucci, highlights our educational mission to preserve and share the often-overlooked history of the complete story of haute couture.

Read the full article here.

A Call for Support

The Couture Pattern Museum is dedicated to preserving and teaching historically accurate haute couture techniques and craftsmanship. Our exceptional collection reflects these values, making us the only museum in the world with a unique conservation and educational focus on couture patterns and haute couture know-how. Our collection is unparalleled in its scope and importance.

Without our intervention, the legacy of many of these haute couture patterns and the invaluable knowledge and skills they embody were at risk of being lost forever. It is also important to note that some of these significant design houses have almost disappeared other than through their patterns in our archives.

Your contributions are crucial in maintaining and advancing our mission. They help cover:

• Operational Costs: Museum overhead, building maintenance, and renovation.

• Technological Needs: Digitization, database management, website maintenance, and the maintenance of our iOS and Google Play app.

• Legal and Storage Expenses: Legal fees and ongoing specialized storage solutions.

• Educational, Conservation, and Exhibition Initiatives: Funding is allocated for educational programs, exhibition expenses, speakers, event space, contract work, and the conservation and preservation of works by renowned, lost, or forgotten artists and designers.

   

We extend our deepest gratitude to our current members, sponsors, and donors. Your support or membership is vital to our cause, and you help to ensure that this history, art, and craftsmanship remains alive for future generations.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

Museum Patio Renovation

We are excited to inform you that the contractors have begun the demolition process of both the entry and the back deck of the museum. The renovation is estimated to take some time due to Santa Barbara's strict guidelines for altering properties in historic districts. The city and contractors are estimating the completion date to be in October. These regulations help maintain the architectural and cultural heritage of our beautiful city.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow and expand, we are deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our community. Your dedication enables us to keep the art of haute couture alive and accessible. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming exhibitions and events, and we are excited to share more of our journey with you. Together, we can ensure that the beauty, culture, and craftsmanship from the golden age of couture and the golden age of cinema continue to inspire and educate future generations.

We value your feedback! As a start-up museum, we need your voice. If you've attended our exhibitions or visited our intimate location on State Street and enjoyed it, please consider rating us on Yelp or Google. Your reviews and ratings can make a big difference for us as a start-up museum. Whether you loved your experience or have suggestions for how we can better serve our community, we want to hear from you. Your input is essential to shaping the future of our museum. Thank you for your support and for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.