75th anniversary in 2014

Frankly, my dear, we do give a damn: Restoration underway on classic Gone Withthe Wind gowns

The famous curtain gown.
Gone with the Wind
Looking through an opti-visor, conservator Cara Varnell studies the greencurtain dress jacket.
Photo by Pete Smith
Jennifer Moss, a master's student in Costume Studies at New York Universityinterning at the Ransom Center this summer, removes thread from the bottom ofthe pockets holding weights in the burgundy ball gown.
Photo by Pete Smith
Conservator Cara Varnell works on the burgundy ball gown from Gone With TheWind. Varnell determined that some feathers were original and some werereplacement.
Photo by Pete Smith
One of the weights found lining the back hem of the burgundy ball gown. Theconservation team removed the weights because they were pulling on the gown,possibly leading to tears.
Photo by Pete Smith
The wedding veil from Gone With The Wind.
Photo by Pete Smith

The cultural impact of Gone With the Wind may not be fading, but the costumes used in the 1939 film are a different story. Some of the most famous outfits from the classic movie are sagging, becoming brittle and coming apart at the seams — normal deterioration for film costumes, but tragic for those interested in Hollywood history.

That’s why the Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas’ humanities research library and museum, has embarked on an intensive restoration of five of the dresses worn by Vivien Leigh in the classic film: The dressing gown, ball gown, curtain dress, wedding dress and blue velvet peignoir.

The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas has embarked on an intensive restoration of five of the dresses worn by Vivien Leigh in the classic film: The dressing gown, ball gown, curtain dress, wedding dress and blue velvet peignoir.

According to collection assistant for costumes and personal effects Jill Morena, "Most costumes are not constructed to last beyond the production of the film, nor are they finished in the same way as a ready-to-wear garment. We've taken steps to prevent further damage, but we want to be able to safely display and share the dresses."

The dresses were frequently displayed following the film’s debut, causing wear and tear, and have been a part of the Ransom Center’s collection since the 1980s. They were donated as part of the David O. Selznick archive, a collection of 5,000 boxes of Hollywood memorabilia. The archive is the Ransom Center’s largest collection.

For the restoration, the Ransom Center hired independent art conservator Cara Varnell, who specializes in textiles, historic clothing and performance costumes. Although Varnell has not been able to fix all signs of deterioration of the dresses, her goal has been to stabilize the costumes to prevent further deterioration. Conservation efforts have included cleaning using a low-suction vacuum and brushes, looking for stitches that have snapped or may do so soon, and adding bits of fabric for support.

Varnell has focused on conserving the green curtain dress, the burgundy ball gown and the green velvet dressing gown. In some instances, such as for the silk wedding veil, whose fibers were damaged and brittle due to age, attempts at conservation would only have worsened the items’ condition, so they were left without treatment.

The Ransom Center is also working with UT’s Division of Textiles and Apparel to determine why parts of the green curtain dress have faded. It is believed that the fading was not caused by light exposure, so the Textiles and Apparel Technology Lab will analyze the fabric to determine the cause, possibly exposure to chemicals during exhibitions.

The restoration is funded by $30,000 in donations raised by the Harry Ransom Center last year. That money has gone toward the restoration itself as well as toward a protective housing and custom-fitted mannequins that will prevent further damage to the dresses, as much as possible, when they go on display.

Currently, the dresses are not displayed at the Ransom Center, though they are available for viewing by researchers upon request. They’re stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled boxes lined with acid-free tissue paper, which are optimal conditions for preserving fabrics. However, the dresses will be displayed, both at the Ransom Center and other institutions, in 2014 as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations for Gone With the Wind.

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STYLISH SUMMER

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 hot drops for a summer refresh

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

Summer shopping season is officially in full swing, and Houston boutiques are providing plenty of reasons for a warm weather refresh. From new store openings and limited edition collaborations to Father's Day finds, these are the latest shopping happenings that deserve a spot on your radar this month.

A.L.C.
A.L.C.'s Summer 2026 collection just launched and is now available at River Oaks District. The lineup features natural and breathable fabrics, including viscose, linen, and cotton, in a vibrant mix of prints perfect for the season.

Baroque & Bloom
A new luxury fragrance boutique by Scent Split is now open in Houston’s Galleria area. Scent Split is the largest online destination for niche fragrances, specializing in hand-decanted original perfumes available in sample and travel sizes. The platform makes it easy to explore unique fragrances and find scents that resonate before investing in a full bottle.

Biscuit Home
Houston's go-to home accessories store recently partnered with Natalie Steen for a curated assortment of linens perfect for summer. The collection includes luxury cotton shams, sheets, duvet covers, and vanity bags.

Burdlife
The piercing pros at M-K-T Heights are offering free piercings every Wednesday beginning June 3. The service is free all day; customers only pay for their jewelry. Walk-ins and online reservations are welcome.

Cavender's Boot City
The Western-fashion superstore just launched their Americana Collection to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The curated selection focuses on wearable Western staples, including denim, hats, boots, and U.S.A.-made brands.

Tommy Bahama
Ready for long pool days or a beach vacation, Tommy Bahamas' newest clothing launch, available at the Galleria, includes innovative fabrics and a collaboration with designer John Robshaw, whose prints are featured on swimwear and resort wear. The women's swim collection also includes separates that are easy to mix and match with different styles to flatter all body types.

Tommy John
Perfect for Father's Day gifting, Tommy John recently launched a new campaign with premium Piqué polos, pants, shorts, and signature underwear. The new pants and shorts are designed with moisture-wicking fabric and UPF sun protection.

Hunter Bell
Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, Houston-based brand Hunter Bell is kicking off the summer with HB Athletic Club, a sporty capsule collection featuring styles such as a cropped jersey and a collaboration with Freya on a limited-edition hat. The brand has also recently unveiled its latest summer collection, packed with tropical vibes perfect for Houston's warm weather. The summer drop includes playful prints on dresses, matching sets, swimwear, and accessories.

Lucchese Bootmaker x Perini Ranch
Texas heritage brands Lucchese Bootmaker and Perini Ranch, the James Beard Award-winning steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, have partnered to offer a unique gift-with-purchase promotion for Father's Day. When customers spend $1,100 or more on two or more items, they will receive a Perini Ranch Cookbook and their Trio Spice Rub. This special promotion will run through June 20th, while supplies last, and will be available both online and in-store at Lucchese Bootmaker locations.

Miron Crosby
Luxury cowboy boot brand, Miron Crosby, just debuted a new addition to its handcrafted boot lineup: the Marianne Crimson. A romantic take on vintage rodeo style, Marianne is a retro-inspired shorty cowboy boot in crimson. The silhouette features the brand's signature scalloped collar and elevated stitch detailing.

Swarovski
Swarovski is now open in Houston Premium Outlets. Shoppers can stock up on the brand's precision-cut crystal jewelry, accessories, home décor, and fashion embellishments. The new boutique is located near Michael Kors in Neighborhood 2

Zadok Jewelers x The Studio Mayfair
Zadok Jewelers has partnered with The Studio Mayfair, the custom tailoring house founded by Sterling Dio, for a limited-time residency inside the Nina Magon Lounge at Zadok's Post Oak boutique. Through June 16, Zadok Jewelers and The Studio Mayfair will offer made-to-order suiting alongside a curated selection of fine jewelry and timepieces from Zadok Jewelers, including Sterling Dio’s personal jewelry picks designed to complement modern tailoring. Appointments are by reservation only.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

miron crosby the galleria river oaks district hunter bell tommy bahama best houston shopping

75th anniversary in 2014

Frankly, my dear, we do give a damn: Restoration underway on classic Gone Withthe Wind gowns

STYLISH SUMMER

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