Mary Reinehr Gigler of New York, Fashion Stylist

The Couture Pattern Museum is dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and digitization of rare haute couture sewing patterns, including historically significant pieces like the coronation robe pattern blessed by Queen Elizabeth II for the 1953 Coronation. These patterns played a significant role in the democratization of fashion, and are at risk of being lost forever as they have been discarded over the generations. With many couture houses losing or not maintaining their historical archives, the Couture Pattern Museum safeguards these irreplaceable cultural artifacts, preserving an essential aspect of American and French heritage. By housing some of the last remaining patterns on earth, the museum ensures that the legacy between haute couture and the dressmaker continues to inspire and educate future generations. 

 

To continue this vital work, we seek sponsorship and fundraising support for daily operations and for academic outreach. Your contributions also help us conserve these delicate items using state-of-the-art techniques, develop educational programs to inspire and teach future designers and craftspeople, and collaborate with other non-profits and institutions. In a time when arts funding is being cut from schools, our museum serves as a center for historical research with a worldwide impact. They represent a rich American culture that touched millions of women's lives.

 

The Couture Pattern Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum and has a worldwide reach. Because of this, CPM helps stimulate the economy of Downtown Santa Barbara by attracting international guests and out-of-town visitors. By sponsoring us, you help ensure the survival of these invaluable cultural artifacts, address historical gender biases that have led to the undervaluation of these patterns as an art form, while stimulating the local economy.

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Your support is crucial to the sustainability and growth of our mission, ensuring that the legacy of these designs endures for educational and historical research.

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Commitment to Transparency: 

As a fiscally sponsored organization, we prioritize transparency and flexibility in partnerships. Upon request, we provide detailed financial receipts showing how your contributions are used. Sponsors can direct support toward areas such as expanding organizational capacity, developing new educational programs, hosting events, digitizing patterns, exhibition frames, operational costs, digital platforms, advertising, PR and print materials, venue expenses, scholarships for students, and partnerships with colleges and universities. We welcome discussions to align your sponsorship with your goals and ensure funds are used efficiently and intentionally.