History Bites | Evolution of the Wedding Gown

Enter the world of brides from the past and learn about what they wore on their first day of marriage. Learn about both celebrity and royal weddings, as well as those of the less famous. Vintage videos will also bring these weddings to life. Join us for a glamorous foray into former wedding finery!

Free with Museum Admission. Snacks and refreshments provided. Please feel free to bring your own lunch.

About the Speaker

Karen (Ren) Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of RI. She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full-time at the college level for 13 years, and taught part-time in the CE Program at the RI School of Design. In the meantime, Ren and her husband, Mike, opened Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, a 3-floor co-op located on historic Wickenden St. in Providence, RI and ran the business for five years. Ren continues to follow her passion for historic costume by conducting fashion era presentations, such as “The Fashions of Downton Abbey” at libraries, senior centers, schools, historical societies, and historic homes. ​​​

Image: Studio wedding portrait of Theresa and Angelo Zampini, 1927. Fairfield Museum Photographic Collection, Gift of Theresa Zampini.