We are pleased to announce the opening of “Fashioning Legacy: Hope, Resistance, and Identity,” a student-curated exhibition exploring the titular themes through fashion and cultural artifacts preserved by several members of the same immigrant family, on display from March 17 through Sep. 26.
“Fashioning Legacy” is the culmination of work by students in THEA 475, a course on conservation and interpretation taught by Professor Leon Wiebers. The exhibition weaves together three collections connected to the Venegas family, who fled Mexico during the Cristero War in the 1920s to build a new life in Los Angeles. Featuring Alexander McQueen designer pieces, historical immigration documents, embroidery designs, and personal family items, the exhibition highlights how everyday objects carry profound stories of cultural resilience, family bonds, and the immigrant journey.
“Clothing, the garments any civilization wears and in some it is called ‘fashion,’ is a fundamental element of the civilization’s culture,” explains Wiebers. “This exhibit explores the connections between collections by different donors of the same family lineage and shared history. One example of these connections is between the immigration documents and the Alexander McQueen map tank top asks the viewer to imagine the journey of the family and what that might have been and the shirt provides a course for other journeys, real, imagined, or mythological.”
Cynthia Becht, head of archives and special collections, notes the importance of student curation: “Over the years, we have increasingly committed to showcasing student curator voices in our exhibition gallery. By sharing students’ interaction with historical artifacts through an exhibition, the gallery transforms into a space that amplifies what our fantastic LMU students are learning, what our amazing LMU faculty are teaching, and how our special collections are resonating with the LMU curriculum. Student curators learn to tell important stories through objects. Their work teaches us.”
The exhibition features several remarkable items including three Alexander McQueen designs from the collection of Regina J. Venegas-Drucker and Bruce Drucker (donated in memory of Zipper, Principe de Milagros), original 1927 immigration documents, a plenary indulgence bestowed by Pope Pius XII, and early 20th century embroidery patterns. These artifacts collectively tell the story of a family that preserved their Mexican heritage and Catholic faith while embracing new opportunities in Los Angeles. The library team worked closely with Wiebers throughout the semester, providing support from the initial identification of materials to exhibition design planning. “It’s a big commitment and a very rewarding experience,” adds Becht.
“Fashioning Legacy: Hope, Resistance, and Identity” is on display in the William H. Hannon Library’s Terrance L. Mahan, S.J. Gallery (level 3) until Sep. 26. The gallery is open Monday–Friday, 9 A.M.–4 P.M. Please check the library’s hours page for summer and holiday schedules.
Written by Siena Andrews, library student assistant.
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