Leather, Lace and Luster

Throughout history, black clothing has come to symbolize everything from wealth to bereavement to teenage angst. Whether statement-making or more utilitarian, the absence of color is never simplistic. In this installation of black evening wear from the SCAD Permanent Collection, the expert choice of materials conveys the drama and interest of the darkest hues through the slickness of latex, the dimension of tulle, and the play of light and shadow inherent in lace and mesh. Employing dynamic weave structures, embellishments and fine finishings, the featured designers--including Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture, Diane von Furstenburg and Oscar de la Renta--create a surprisingly vibrant and varied palette out of this single color.