07/27/2025
.pattern.museum The Couture Pattern Museum is not only an archive of patterns, it also holds and exhibits a small number of authentic haute couture dresses by historically important couturiers, such as this Madame Grès. These pieces give our members the opportunity to study the perfection of handwork expected in haute couture and to better understand the historical and technical context of our pattern archive.
Due to the fragility of these garments, access to dresses like this Madame Grès is limited to Couture Council members and those who book a private research appointment with a fee.
For the general public, our permanent exhibit in Santa Barbara currently includes authentic pieces by Balenciaga, James Galanos, and Christian Dior. You can book an appointment online or inquire about the benefits of joining the Couture Council if you would like to advance your haute couture training and understanding right here in Santa Barbara, California.
