NEW YORK, NY.- The Garment District Alliance announced the latest in its ongoing series of public art exhibits, showcasing The Rose of Versailles, a collection of fanciful hats and headpieces in partnership with the Milliners Guild in celebration of New York Textile Month. Located in a street-level window at 215 West 38th Street, the exhibit is free and accessible to the public through October 12th. The installation is part of the Garment District Space for Public Art program, which showcases artists in unusual locations and over 18 years has produced more than 200 installations, exhibits and performances.

“We are proud to partner with the Milliners Guild to showcase these well-crafted, whimsical accessories, which reflect the Garment District’s storied history and deep connection to the fashion industry,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “We encourage the community to visit this historical exhibit in the Garment District this fall and take a trip through time.”

Featuring a mix of modern and historical designs created by 21 Milliners Guild members, the collection of hats was inspired by Marie-Jeanne Bertin, who is recognized as the first celebrity milliner. In addition to dressing Queen Marie Antoinette for almost two decades, Bertin dressed most of the French female aristocracy and had an immense sartorial influence – later earning her the nickname “The Rose of Versailles.” With designs that reflect Bertin’s extravagant aesthetic, the collection aims to acknowledge the Milliners Guild’s connection to past merchants and the rich history of ornamentation.

The Rose of Versailles is the third exhibition by the Milliners Guild that has been displayed in the Garment District, following Hats: Humor and High Design in 2022, a collection of hats designed by finalists and members of the Milliners Guild who participated in the organization’s first international competition; and The Ultimate Hat-Maker’s Studio, a series of fall hats created in celebration of New York Textile Month that were showcased in 2019.

The Milliners Guild is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the public’s awareness of the skill set and products used in the headwear trade. The Milliners Guild’s membership includes small business owners, seasoned artisans, and emerging designers. The organization promotes handmade headwear by offering education and access to resources.

The Garment District is home to diverse business sectors from technology to hospitality and includes thousands of people working in the creative economy, including fine and performing artists, designers, architects, photographers and more than a hundred theaters, galleries, performance spaces and studios.