Marilyn Riseman passed away in March of this year at the age of 86, leaving behind not only her legacy as an icon of style and society in Boston, but also her vast collection of fine clothing and accessories. Consisting of a wardrobe of 700 garments that represented a life dedicated to avant-garde fashion, Riseman’s collection has been acquired by the Peabody Essex Museum.
Recently, the Peabody Essex Museum has focused on fashion and art, with successful exhibitions like The Rare Bird of Fashion: the Irreverent Iris Apfel, Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones, and Future Beauty: Avant-garde Japanese Fashion taking place at the museum and displaying a dedication to modern and contemporary fashion. In an email to BostInno, PEM’s Curator of Exhibitions and Research Paula Richter explained how collecting and displaying Riseman’s garments was a natural next step:
Marilyn Riseman was a discerning and adventurous fashion collector with a visionary sense of style. Her wardrobe includes garments and accessories from the most innovative and creative European, Japanese, and American designers of the last 50 years. The acquisition of the Riseman collection significantly enhances the museum’s contemporary fashion collection and adds examples by major designers not previously represented.
The items in Riseman’s collection were gathered from designers from all over the world, like Alexander McQueen and John Paul Gaultier, and also included items from designers here in Boston like Daniela Corte and Alan Bilzerian. According to PEM’s press release announcing the acquisition, Riseman was a strong supporter of the local fashion scene in Boston, and she displayed her support by attending openings, runway shows and even serving as a creative muse. Her Boston boutique, Apogee, was launched in the 1960s on Newbury Street, where she incorporated her eye for fashion with business.
In addition to operating her boutique and supporting Boston designers, Richter believes that Riseman was “instrumental” in building the Boston fashion industry during her legacy.
“Her wardrobe refutes the perception that Bostonians are restrained or indifferent regarding fashion. She stood out in a crowd,” said Richter. Personally, Richter said she admires Riseman’s taste in jackets, coats and coat dresses.
Riseman’s collection, which was donated to the Peabody Essex Museum by Riseman’s surviving family, will be on display at a future exhibition at the museum. In the meantime, Boston Fashion Week 2014, coming up on October 5 through 11, will be dedicated to Riseman’s legacy in building the city’s fashion landscape.
Image courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum
