Eleanor Lambert established transformative initiatives such as the New York Dress Institute’s Couture Group, the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Awards, biannual Press Week, the International Best-Dressed List, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She also promoted causes such as the March of Dimes’ fight against polio by producing fashion shows that brought attention to both humanitarian fundraising and American fashion. Lambert used these ventures as a platform to increase the recognition of American fashion and the public perception of designers such as Geoffrey Beene, Stephen Burrows, Halston, and Valentina.
Featuring objects from The Museum at FIT and FIT’s Special Collections and College Archives, this exhibition explores the impact of the “Empress of Seventh Avenue” through five aspects of Lambert’s career. She played an integral role in several professional organizations. Lambert utilized relationships with political figures, as well as creative society—artists, writers, and socialites—to raise the profile of American fashion. She supported diversity by promoting black fashion professionals. 