Kid Duds

Don't let the title of Child's Play: A Children's Fashion Story evoke nightmarish manifestations of little knife-wielding killer dolls in red overalls. Instead think of happy, sweet, innocent dolls dressed in red overalls--and dresses, hats and a variety of other historical attire. The exhibition, presented by Texas Fashion Collection, celebrates the simple and whimsical nature of children's clothing. Nothing was more fun as a kid than playing dress-up, and TFC can appreciate the hopeful pairings of stripes with polka dots and plaid with paisley. (Hey, when you wanted to dress up like a princess, it was just about how many shades of sparkly pink and purple you could put together.) Children have shaped clothing styles since the late 1800s, from the types of fabric to the color palette. Beginning with post-Civil War design and continuing through the Great Depression, Child's Play is a tour of era-appropriate attire, such as girls' party dresses and little boys' outfits. The show also includes pieces from the private collection of Steven Porterfield, owner of the Cat's Meow in Midland, Texas. Stop by Fashion on Main (1901 Main St.) between noon and 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through May 7 to take a look at the youth-inspired styles. Admission is free. For more information, visit tfc.unt.edu.
Thursdays, Fridays, 12-5 p.m. Starts: Feb. 19. Continues through May 7, 2010