Shade, Shimmer, and Style

Parasols, Beaded Dresses, and Fancy Accessories

July 12 – November 2025

This exhibition showcases elegant parasols, beaded 1920s dresses, purses, and early 20th-century shoes from the Museum of Texas Tech University’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Once essential accessories, parasols fell out of favor when Coco Chanel popularized tanned skin—but concerns about sun safety have brought them back into style. The beaded flapper dresses on display likely shimmered under the lights of many lively parties, and they are paired with intricately detailed bags and shoes that highlight the craftsmanship of the era.

Behind the scenes, years of careful preparation made this exhibition possible. The lightweight chiffon of the 1920s dresses couldn’t support their heavy beadwork, so museum volunteers reinforced each garment with cotton backing, hand-stitching through each layer to protect and preserve the original fabric. Thanks to their meticulous work, these fragile, stunning garments are ready to be admired once again.