FIDM looks at clothes worn on the doomed Titanic

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Few stories of ships sinking have ever caught the imagination like that of the Titanic, which has inspired books, movies and even, as my colleague Susan Carpenter related on Sunday, a YA novel in which the clothes designed by the real-life Lucile Duff-Gordon play a key role.

Lady Duff-Gordon, pictured above, was a London couturier who along with her husband survived the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912. Some of her wealthy clients did not.

In recognition of the approaching 100th anniversary of the tragedy, the Museum at FIDM is planning a special program April 14 at the school’s Orange County campus, focusing on the clothes worn by the crew and passengers aboard the Titanic.

The ship’s passengers and crew provide a cross section of attire that was worn in the era, ranging from the poorest of the poor in steerage to the richest of the rich -- John Jacob Astor, for example.

Kevin Jones, museum curator at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, is scheduled to lead the presentation, which is to include an exhibition of fashions from the era, including a gown from Duff-Gordon’s Lucile collection. Champagne, savories and sweets are to be served.

The presentation is set for 10 a.m. to noon at 175900 Gillette Ave. in Irvine. Tickets are $100 and are available online.

[UPDATED 6:15 p.m. April 2 to correct the date the event is taking place.]

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-- Susan Denley