The Cocktail Hour: Fashion and Entertaining in the 1960s

New Temporary Exhibit Opening! Limited Time Only!

Open now, this new temporary exhibit showcases a special selection from the Brenau University Princess Shirazi collection and popular artifacts from the 1960s. Though cocktail parties emerged earlier in the twentieth century, they played a prominent role in postwar American culture. The cocktail party was a fashionable, at-home social gathering where guests enjoyed a few drinks, some hors d’oeuvres, games, and conversation.

On display are 21 dresses and various handbags from the Brenau Princess Shirazi collection. The pieces selected for the exhibit show not only changing fashions, but also the artistry of the cocktail dress. Beautiful fabrics and flattering shapes are shown throughout this exhibit, capturing the style of mid-century modern dress and entertaining. We extend our sincere thanks to the Brenau University Art and Design Department for generously sharing garments from this historic collection.

We are grateful to Brenau, our volunteers, interns, and generous donors for the time, artifacts, and the funding to make this exhibit happen. Come visit the party!