|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
When people think of museums in Miami, the established Pérez Art Museum, Frost Museum of Science, and the renowned Bass Museum come to mind. But what if I told you there’s a cultural gem hiding in plain sight? In a city bursting with vibrant Art Deco architecture in South Beach, the graffiti masterpieces of Wynwood Walls, and the annual spectacle of Art Basel, one museum quietly contributes to Miami’s artistic identity like no other: The Parodi Costume Collection (PCC).
Located at 276 NE 27th Street, Miami, FL 33137, PCC is a small yet extraordinary museum founded by Francisca Parodi, a Madrid native who began her lifelong love of fashion restoration at just 12 years old. Tasked by her grandmother with repairing a damaged chemise, Parodi’s first success as a young seamstress planted the seeds for a career that would transform her into one of the leading collectors and restoration experts of vintage fashion. From exploring the antique shops of Madrid’s El Rastro district to sporting vintage garments that echoed her own ceramic designs during gallery openings, Parodi’s passion for design and historical textiles blossomed into what is now a vast, meticulously restored collection covering the mid-1800s through the late 20th century.
Today, PCC has been a staple of Miami’s cultural landscape for over a decade. The collection features more than 1,000 preserved pieces, each carefully restored on-site by Parodi and her talented team of young designers. These designers not only preserve garments but also lead guided tours, giving the next generation of fashion enthusiasts invaluable hands-on experience in restoration, curation, and museum practice.
Each season, PCC curates an exhibition exploring a specific theme, most often inspired by a particular decade. Currently on exhibit is “Fashion in Orbit: Space Age Past and Future,” an electrifying look at the futuristic fashions of the 1960s and beyond. As I toured the show with curator Abigail Thielen, I was transported through time by garments that channeled the optimism and imagination of an era inspired by the dawn of space exploration.
The exhibit brilliantly showcases how designers like Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, and André and Coqueline Courrèges envisioned a world where fashion embraced humanity’s fascination with space. Metallic fabrics shimmer under the gallery lights, vibrant colors pulse with energy, and bold geometric silhouettes evoke the possibilities of life beyond Earth. Visitors will also find striking accessories—shoes, sunglasses, and handbags—alongside complete outfits, all of which capture the era’s unique blend of fantasy and technological ambition. These details perfectly illustrate how designers pushed the boundaries of what clothing and personal style could express in a time when the world was dreaming of the stars.
Beyond exhibitions, PCC’s mission is deeply rooted in education. The museum partners with leading fashion programs such as SCAD, Kent State University, and Miami Dade College, lending pieces to enrich their students’ learning. Locally, PCC offers a unique internship program that gives high school and college students first-hand experience in restoration, museum studies, and the history of fashion design. As a former intern myself, I can attest to the life-changing experience of working under Parodi’s mentorship, where I gained practical restoration skills, a deep appreciation for garment construction, and a new perspective on the role of fashion in cultural history—lessons I still draw on as a designer today.
I also had the pleasure of sitting down with Francisca Parodi herself to chat about PCC’s mission and her vision for fashion in Miami’s future. She shared her dream of transforming the city into a hub for fashion education, preservation, and innovation, ensuring that Miami’s creative community continues to thrive with a deep connection to the stories embedded in each historic garment.
“Fashion in Orbit: Space Age Past and Future” is open by appointment only and will be on view until September 15, 2025. For anyone passionate about fashion, design, or Miami’s vibrant cultural tapestry, the Parodi Costume Collection is an absolute must-see—a true hidden gem preserving the city’s creative spirit for decades to come.
Lourdes Carvajal of Miami is a respected civic leader and Chair of the Civilian Investigative Panel, known for her commitment to transparency and community advocacy. Beyond her public service, Lourdes is also recognized for her impeccable sense of style—bringing grace, confidence, and fashion-forward flair to every room she enters. Her presence embodies both professional leadership and cultural elegance in equal measure.
