SALEM, Mass. - The Peabody Essex Museum is more than just a museum; it's a hot spot for fashion.
The museum's gift shop is seeing growing popularity in its exhibit-inspired clothing, and they're showing off their fashion sense with the first-ever Fresh Fashion Showcase this evening.
"The idea came because the store has been building a reputation for having fashions and accessories and this seemed like the natural next step," says Lynne Francis-Lunn of the museum's gift shop.
The evening will feature five vendors, all of whom have items available at the shop, showing off their spring designs at the gift shop and in the Atrium. Francis-Lunn says visitors can expect to see a burst of color - lots of turquoise, orange and pink.
The free event will be accompanied by a table of hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and live music with the Randazzo Jazz Band from Beverly.
"They'll be coming to museum with things above and beyond what we carry, exposing our customers to a wider range of products," Francis-Lunn said.
The popularity in clothing at PEM's gift shop has been building over the past couple of years, Francis-Lunn says. The clothing in the shop always has a connection to the current exhibits; right now, there are a lot of Asian-influenced jackets and scarves.
If the inaugural showcase is a success, Francis-Lunn says she hopes to continue having the fashionable event at the museum.
"We want to make it a fun evening, a night out where people can also see what's new and hot this spring season," Francis-Lunn said.
Featured fashions
* Silk jackets by Kai Mira or Marblehead
* Sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry inspired by Tibet and Thailand from the Essex Collection in Manchester
* Silk scarves, shawls and jackets by Brenda Lee of Hyannisport
* Gold and silver jewelry with sea glass and semi-precious stones by Sonja Grondstra of Swampscott
* Hand-painted silk items by Sally Dillon of Amherst
If you go
r What: Fresh Fashion Showcase 2007
* When: Today from 6 to 9 p.m.
* Where: Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem.
The museum's gift shop is seeing growing popularity in its exhibit-inspired clothing, and they're showing off their fashion sense with the first-ever Fresh Fashion Showcase this evening.
"The idea came because the store has been building a reputation for having fashions and accessories and this seemed like the natural next step," says Lynne Francis-Lunn of the museum's gift shop.
The evening will feature five vendors, all of whom have items available at the shop, showing off their spring designs at the gift shop and in the Atrium. Francis-Lunn says visitors can expect to see a burst of color - lots of turquoise, orange and pink.
The free event will be accompanied by a table of hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and live music with the Randazzo Jazz Band from Beverly.
"They'll be coming to museum with things above and beyond what we carry, exposing our customers to a wider range of products," Francis-Lunn said.
The popularity in clothing at PEM's gift shop has been building over the past couple of years, Francis-Lunn says. The clothing in the shop always has a connection to the current exhibits; right now, there are a lot of Asian-influenced jackets and scarves.
If the inaugural showcase is a success, Francis-Lunn says she hopes to continue having the fashionable event at the museum.
"We want to make it a fun evening, a night out where people can also see what's new and hot this spring season," Francis-Lunn said.
Featured fashions
* Silk jackets by Kai Mira or Marblehead
* Sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry inspired by Tibet and Thailand from the Essex Collection in Manchester
* Silk scarves, shawls and jackets by Brenda Lee of Hyannisport
* Gold and silver jewelry with sea glass and semi-precious stones by Sonja Grondstra of Swampscott
* Hand-painted silk items by Sally Dillon of Amherst
If you go
r What: Fresh Fashion Showcase 2007
* When: Today from 6 to 9 p.m.
* Where: Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem.
* How: Admission is free. Call 978-745-9500 or visit www.pem.org for more.
