Exhibition: "Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World"

High Fashion on View: The magic of shimmering sequins, intricate beadwork, and delicate embroidery elevates everyday garments into extraordinary fashion statements. These sophisticated techniques have captivated fashion lovers worldwide, yet few know their origin — India, the birthplace of these dazzling surface designs.

"Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World" is a CVAD Gallery exhibition that celebrates the artistry of Indian artisans, showcasing high-fashion garments adorned with intricate surface motifs. Featuring over 30 exquisite designs by renowned Indian and Euro-American fashion luminaries such as Ashish Gupta, Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, Mary McFadden, Todd Oldham, Dries Van Noten, and Vera Wang, this exhibition invites you to explore the creativity, craftsmanship, and labor behind these luxurious creations.

Exhibition
"Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World"
Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 1, 2025
Exhibition Reception: Oct. 24, 2024, 5–7 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.: Remarks by Ashish Gupta, fashion designer and Annette Becker, TFC director
UNT College of Visual Arts and Design Gallery, Art Building, Room 160, 1201 W. Mulberry, Denton, Texas
Free | Open to the Public

Gallery Hours
Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m., and
Thursday, Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday–Monday: Closed
For university closures and additional information, visit the and .

Guided Tours
Only Guided Tours require registration. Register through this Eventbrite page for the Guided Tour you want to join.
Guided Tour Dates

Nov. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Jan. 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

More About the Exhibition

Curated from the nationally recognized Texas Fashion Collection, an archive of nearly 20,000 garments and accessories housed at the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, the exhibition highlights the fusion of tradition and innovation in fashion. It is a tribute to the artisans whose skillful hands bring designers’ visions to life.

This celebration of artistry is made possible through the generous support of artifact donors, designer Ashish Gupta, the Mercedes T. Bass Charitable Corporation, the Denton Visual Arts Center, and the UNT Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series.

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Indian embroidery and its global influence, contact Annette Becker, director of the Texas Fashion Collection, at .

Prepare to be enchanted by the opulent world of Indian embroidery, where luxury and craftsmanship intertwine!

Image credit: Manish Arora, dress with embellishments, Fall 2017, TFC Purchase.

Host or Publisher UNT College of Visual Arts & Design, College of Music