Silver lace gown with black marabou trim

White cat painted on grey silk dress

PRINCESS ANNE — As part of Somerset County’s 350th year celebration, the Linden Hill Legacy Foundation hosts a free exhibition of designer gowns 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at Linden Hill, 11923 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne.

The designs were created by Jeanne du Nord for the Black Cat Boutique. Samples of a boutique line were made and displayed at a showroom in the garment district of New York City. Buyers from across the nation could order the gowns and dresses for their shops.

Included in the exhibition will be gowns for formal events, cocktail dresses, and dresses for more informal occasions. Many of these dresses have unusual features such as a gown and coat with Persian lamb trim that has been embroidered with beading and jewels. A red silk skirt has a wide border of black silk lace that was made in France before the French Revolution. Several garments are decorated with hand-painted images and designs. Because the intricacy of these designs could not be replicated commercially, these garments remain as originals.

The designer will be on hand to discuss the techniques used for the creation of each unique garment. Contact lh123@comcast.net by email for more details.