A touch of Parisian elegance came to downtown Santa Barbara as the Couture Pattern Museum hosted the West Coast premiere of “Chanel in Vogue,” an intimate celebration of legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel’s enduring influence.
The invitation-only Oct. 24 afternoon brought together fashion enthusiasts, authors and couture aficionados for a French-inspired tea, an exhibition of historic Chanel photography and a conversation with the authors of the lavish two-volume Chanel in Vogue.
I was among 16 guests welcomed by museum founder and curator Cara Austine-Rademaker, whose passion is preserving the extraordinary craftsmanship behind haute couture.
While most people experience high fashion through runway shows, celebrities and socialites, Austine-Rademaker wants visitors to appreciate the artistry behind the glamour — the construction, creativity and technical patterns that bring extraordinary garments to life.
After launching the museum with free community exhibitions and pop-up events three years ago, she found a permanent home in 2024 at 1525 State St., in a third-floor penthouse overlooking Santa Barbara’s downtown Arts District.
The spectacular views and intimate atmosphere evoke a European couture salon.
“I realized that a museum isn’t defined only by its four walls and majestic property, but by its archive, curation and storytelling,” Austine-Rademaker said.
The museum’s remarkable collection includes the only known copies of patterns for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation gown and robe, designed by British couturier Norman Hartnell.
The 16 guests, myself included, arrived wearing vintage Chanel, pearls and Chanel-inspired fashions.
Even a hint of Chanel N°5 filled the air, bringing back memories of my grandmother and mother, who both wore the famous fragrance.
Our afternoon began with an elegant French-inspired tea featuring savory delicacies prepared by Paris-trained chef Laura Desmond and exquisite pastries from chef Yannick Dumonceau, founder of Santa Barbara’s La Gourmandise and formerly of Paris’ three-Michelin-starred L’Ambroisie.
Champagne and specialty teas completed an experience reminiscent of the Ritz Paris.
The featured guests were Susanna Brown and Rebecca Tuite, the authors of Chanel in Vogue.
Chanel in Vogue, a lavish two-volume collection by Susanna Brown and Rebecca Tuite, chronicles Coco Chanel’s enduring influence on fashion through historic photography, archival treasures and the pages of Vogue. 
Curator Cara Austine-Rademaker keeps close tabs on high-end fashion at her Couture Pattern Museum but the passion behind her vision is a simple one: “A finished couture dress tells you what someone made,” she says. “A pattern tells you how they made it.” 
The afternoon tea included an exhibition of historic Chanel photography. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo 
Cara Austine-Rademaker is flanked by Chanel in Vogue authors Susanna Brown, left, and Rebecca Tuite. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo 
The Couture Pattern Museum’s “Chanel in Vogue” tea was set in an intimate atmosphere evoking a European couture salon. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo 
Couture Pattern Museum founder and curator Cara Austine-Rademaker mingles with her guests. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo 
“Chanel in Vogue” guests came dressed to the nines in their best Chanel fashion. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo 
Yours truly with Cara Austine-Rademaker. Credit: Trevor Morrison Photography / Couture Pattern Museum photo
Their presentation explored Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s extraordinary influence through archival photographs, fashion history and personal anecdotes.
Large black-and-white photographs displayed throughout the museum included works by legendary fashion photographers Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn and Horst P. Horst.
Austine-Rademaker’s passion began years ago when she rescued a vintage Chanel sewing pattern from an antique shop basement, where it was destined to become wrapping paper for china.
“A finished couture dress tells you what someone made,” she told Noozhawk. “A pattern tells you how they made it.”
Like sheet music preserving a composition, couture patterns preserve a garment’s craftsmanship, stitch by stitch, for future generations.
Following tea, guests enjoyed the balcony views before gathering for the authors’ illustrated presentation and a lively Q&A.
The program also featured recorded greetings from French Consul General Adrien Frier and an interview with Paris-based Chanel technical designer and draper Adèle Autelin.
Guests received signed copies of Chanel in Vogue, which was produced in collaboration with Chanel and Thames & Hudson.
This month, the Couture Pattern Museum will welcome visitors free of charge during the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association’s 1st Thursday Art Walk, featuring a Chanel in Vogue photography exhibition and selections from its remarkable pattern archive.
“I want to remain rooted in the Santa Barbara community and give back where we can,” Austine-Rademaker said.
The Couture Pattern Museum may have started small, but its influence is reaching far beyond Santa Barbara.
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