About the Exhibition
Dress Codes is about what we wear, how we wear it, and why. Visitors can explore how the clothing in our closets have long and often surprising histories, unpacking cultural histories of icons of western style
The exhibition is organized around six enduring icons of western style: blue jeans, plaid shirt, fringed jackets, aloha shirt, China Poblana dress, and the cowboy boot. Join us for a fun and subversive look at what our clothes have to say about Western identities.
Highlights (Click image for details)
Can’t Bust ‘Em denim jeans recovered from a mine in Goldfield, NV, circa 1890. Donated by Jeffrey Spielberg, Autry Museum; 2011.77.6
Northern Plains jacket worn by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, circa 1900. Acquisition made possible in part by John E. Bianchi Jr., Autry Museum; 85.1.517
Denim Jordache jacket with custom additions worn by writer, rodeo marshal, and LGPTQ activist Patricia Nell Warren. Donated by Patricia Nell Warren to the Autry Museum; 2010.12.1
Skirt from China Poblana dance ensemble, collected in Mexico, circa 1935. Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, Autry Museum; 2010.G.73
Blouse from China Poblana dance ensemble, collected in Mexico, circa 1935. Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, Autry Museum; 2010.G.72
Cowboy boots worn by Gene Autry. Made by Lucchese Boot Company, mid-20th century. Donated by Mr. And Mrs. Gene Autry; 91.221.137
Aloha shirt made for Martin & Co. Guitar Makers, circa 1990. Courtesy of Amanda K. Wixon
Aloha shirt made by Avanti and purchased for a wedding anniversary in Hawaii, circa 1995. Courtesy of Elizabeth Short and Michael Freidman
Cowboy boots worn by Roy Rogers in the Rose Bowl Parade, circa 1945. Donated by Lora and Robert U. Sandroni to the Autry Museum; 2011.29.1
Board shirt made by Pendleton Woolen Mills, Oregon, 1950s–early 1960s. Autry Museum; 2019.47.3
Dress Codes Is Sponsored by:
PALOHEIMO FOUNDATION
LEE HORWIN • ELIZABETH SHORT AND MICHAEL FRIEDMAN
DAVID CARTWRIGHT • MARGUERITE MARSH