BENTONVILLE, Ark. —

Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour is Crystal Bridges’ first exhibition dedicated to fashion and the first to present American fashion as a powerful emblem of global visual culture, amplified by movies, television, red carpets, and social media.

From dresses worn by first ladies to art-inspired garments to iconic fashion moments, Fashioning America conveys uniquely American expressions of innovation, highlights the compelling stories of both designers and wearers that center on opportunity and self-invention, and amplifies voices.

The exhibition emphasizes the work of designers who immigrated to America, Native American and Black designers, as well as iconic fashion brands and their impact on visual culture in every decade.

There’s also a local partnership with Interform and their Designer in Residency Program.

“They’re highlighting regional design, which I think is super important for America to grow in terms of fashion. So INTERFORM was a natural partnership. For me, I felt like we had to celebrate what was happening right here in your own community,” Exhibit Curator Michelle Finamore told 40/29 News.