A special exhibit at Johnson County Museum is taking visitors on a journey through the vibrant world of 1960s women’s fashion by way of four distinct themes symbolizing the era’s spirit of self-expression and cultural transformation.

The new “Free to Be...A 1960s Fashion Revolution” exhibit is scheduled to run through Jan. 1 1. It’s the museum’s first fashion-focused exhibit since it moved to the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, in 2017.

“There are some really incredible pieces in the exhibit, and the diversity of styles, fabrics, textures and colors is really exciting,” said Curator of Interpretation Andrew R. Gustafson.

“The pieces will be appreciated by folks who remember the ‘60s, people who love studying fashion, and those who just happen to wander into the exhibit. The history is important because it is one more example of a major American cultural change coming out of the 1960s – this time in material culture. And finally, from this decade comes the legacy that we enjoy today of choice and individuality in style.”

He pointed out that the 1960s were really the first time women had such a wide variety of clothing options.

“If you think about the 1940s and 50s, most women wore dresses – house dresses for housewives, but even working women often wore dresses or skirts,” he said.

“In the ‘60s, fashion moved away from a single, unifying look to a diversity of fits, styles, colors, types of clothing pieces and price points. There was also just a lot more clothing in numbers, too – ready-made clothing sold in department stores and boutiques really ramped up in the postwar era, so clothing became more accessible for more women. All of this coming together in the 1960s allowed women to express individuality through their clothing choices.”

Gustafson noted there are 31 “looks” or outfits in the exhibit divided along four major style themes: the flamboyantly futuristic styles of the Modernists, the counterculture chic of the Naturalists, the gala-ready grace of the Socialites and the fashionable function of the Professionals.

“There are so many great side stories that we touch on in the exhibit but could not explore more fully – there is a TWA flight attendant uniform; photographs of clothing designed by one of Kansas City’ s most famous Black designers, Cloteele T. Raspberry; and clothing from KC based manufacturer Gay Gibson,” he said.

Curated in collaboration with Johnson County Community College’s Fashion Merchandising and Design Department, the exhibit features a treasure trove of iconic garments that highlight the groundbreaking trends of the era.

Visitors can expect a sensory feast of colors, textures and designers, as period garments from the Johnson County Museum, Kansas State University’s Historic Textile and Costume Museum, Kansas City Museum, and Johnson County Community College’s Historical Fashion Collection transport them back to a time of creativity, individuality and cultural revolution.

Johnson County Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children. The exhibit is included with regular museum admission.

For more information, call 913-826-2787.

David Markham is communications specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.