Private tour of The Ecology of Fashion Exhibit

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19103

Group 1:  Wednesday, April 30 at 10:30 am

WC members: $19     WC Non-member guests:  $35

Experience The Ecology of Fashion, the first-ever, co-created exhibition by Drexel’s Westphal College and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Featuring stunning and provocative garments from Drexel’s Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection 
- heralded as a “world-class collection of fashion and textiles” by The Wall Street Journal - as well as specimens from the Academy of Natural Sciences and works by contemporary change-makers, the exhibit boldly shows how materials, production processes, and our own patterns of clothing consumption impact the world around us.

The Ecology of Fashion invites visitors to explore both the fascinating and fraught ways in which flora, fauna, fungi, and fossil fuels are fundamental to our clothing. Learn how contemporary household designer names and modern high-end brands - Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Levi Strauss & Co. - continue to draw inspiration from the natural world, even while utilizing mass-produced materials and processes. Discover how a single style trend, such a coat worn by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, can lead to devastating impacts. Explore how shifts in textile production and fights to address labor rights may be enacting more environmentally friendly and ethical practices. 

In what ways is the natural environment quite literally woven into the clothes that we wear? How can we better care for the natural world through wardrobe curation, conscious fashion, thrifting forays or visible mending? And how can we know the history of a piece of clothing just by looking closely? The Ecology of Fashion considers our complex interrelationship with the natural world and our evolving sense of ethics in its stewardship

Following our private tour of The Ecology of Fashion exhibit, registrants are invited to purchase lunch at nearby The Mulberry (1835 Arch Street - cash only).  During lunch we will enjoy a talk by Heidi Barr, Founder of the PA Flax Project, working to make the production of American linen possible.

Note that this tour is repeated on 5/7/25.

Also note that cancellation are accepted through 4/22/25.  Should you need to cancel by this date, fund will be credited to your WC account for future purchases.