Manetti Shrem Museum Opens New Fashion Exhibition
The Davis museum is showcasing Maria Manetti Shrem’s collection of haute couture gowns and jewelry.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Fashion
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The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art has launched a new exhibition titled The Gift of Fashion in Davis. The display features a curated selection of couture gowns and jewelry collected by Maria Manetti Shrem.
Why it matters
The exhibition serves as a centerpiece for the institution as it celebrates its 10th anniversary season. It highlights the intersection of personal collection and artistic preservation within the local community.
The exhibition features items ranging from 1980s Roberto Capucci evening wear to various handcrafted Dolce and Gabbana gowns. It will remain open to the public through January 30, 2027.
The players
Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
This museum is a cultural institution in Davis that serves as a site for contemporary art exhibitions and community engagement.
Maria Manetti Shrem
She is a notable collector whose personal assortment of haute couture and jewelry forms the basis of the museum’s current exhibition.
The details
The exhibition space features specialized lighting control and strategic mirror installations, allowing visitors to inspect the intricate details on the back of the garments. The display also incorporates 3D gallery renderings and a film highlighting Manetti Shrem’s career background.
Timeline
The 1980s marked the creation of the featured Roberto Capucci evening dress.
The Gift of Fashion exhibition officially opened on October 14, 2026.
The exhibition is scheduled to remain on display until January 30, 2027.
Culture Shift
The exhibition aligns with the museum's 10th anniversary season, marking a shift toward displaying high-fashion archives as art history. This reflects a broader trend of institutions elevating personal collections to institutional prestige status.
Residents can visit the museum in Davis to view the collection, which is available for public viewing until the end of January. The exhibition provides local fashion enthusiasts an opportunity to study archival couture pieces and professional garment construction.
The takeaway
Visitors are encouraged to examine the installation of mirrors and lighting, which are designed specifically to showcase the complex craftsmanship of couture. These techniques provide a unique perspective on how garments are structured and preserved for long-term display.
Further reading
Explore more local style and industry news in our Fashion section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Theaggie.
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Do you consider high-end fashion and couture pieces to be fine art?
