ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Cooper Hewitt Showcases Costume Designs by Notable Women Creators

exhibition · 2026-03-15

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum presents a selection of costume design drawings from its collection, highlighting the work of women designers from the United States and United Kingdom. The featured artists include Theoni V. Aldredge, Adele Balkan, Pearl Binder, Gladys Calthrop, Jane Greenwood, Ariel Parkinson, Irene Sharaff, Cynthia Tingey, and Patricia Zipprodt. Their designs span theater, film, and opera productions from the mid-20th century, illustrating the significant role of costume in character development and storytelling across performing arts. The collection includes works created for Broadway, Hollywood, and major cultural institutions, demonstrating the craft's importance in visual culture.

Key facts

  • Selection features costume design drawings from Cooper Hewitt's collection
  • Highlights work by nine women designers from the US and UK
  • Designs created for theater, film, and opera productions
  • Includes works for Broadway shows, Hollywood films, and major opera companies
  • Artists range from Theoni V. Aldredge to Patricia Zipprodt

Entities

Artists

  • Theoni V. Aldredge
  • Adele Balkan
  • Pearl Binder
  • Gladys Calthrop
  • Jane Greenwood
  • Ariel Parkinson
  • Irene Sharaff
  • Cynthia Tingey
  • Patricia Zipprodt

Institutions

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • London
  • San Francisco

Sources