The Newport Restoration Foundation is opening a new gallery at Rough Point Museum on June 12, dedicated to Doris Duke’s fashion collection. This Doris Duke Fashion Gallery will feature rotating exhibits that explore Duke’s collection and highlight her support for the arts, design, and preservation.
The first exhibit, “Women Designers of the 20th Century,” showcases over 30 pieces from designers like Faie Joyce, Tina Leser, Sybil Connolly, Mary McFadden, Thea Porter, and Madame Grès. Organized around themes of Making, Materials, and Expression, the exhibit aims to show how these women influenced the fashion industry and shaped cultural ideas about style.
Located in a former guest room in the East Wing that was previously off-limits to visitors, the new gallery aligns with NRF’s plan to make Rough Point more relevant and community-focused.
The exhibit is included in the general admission price for Rough Point Museum, and Newport County residents can visit for free. There’s also a curator-led tour and sneak peek available on June 12, but tickets are limited.
The Newport Restoration Foundation, which Duke established in 1968, works to preserve Newport’s architectural and cultural heritage. Their efforts include climate change resilience, historic trades training, and storytelling programs.
