Brilliant, but often difficult, Charles James was one of the twentieth century’s most innovative fashion designers. While living in Chicago in the 1920s, James launched his career and established a loyal clientele. His dresses enchanted the fashion industry, but surviving examples of his work are so rare that his genius is not widely understood.

To get inside James’s mind, Museum staff sought to uncover the secrets held by some of his most iconic pieces. We studied them. Turned them inside out. Sketched, photographed, X-rayed, and recreated them. We deconstructed James. Now, it’s your turn. Explore the genius of Charles James.