If you've ever taken a History of Chicago class or watched a documentary about how Chicago got it's start then you know our city used to be everything but pretty. From stockyards to gangsterville Chicago had a gritty past.  

To overcome this reputation the cultured socialite women of the city took to beautifying it through the couture clothing they wore.  They believed it improved Chicago's beauty and sophistication.  Thus I present, Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum.  It's an exhibition of garments that date from 1861-2004, and "represents the most prominent couturiers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.  Each gown has a strong connection to Chicago and belongs to the Museum's permanent collection." -Chicago History Museum 

Check it out.  Chic Chicago runs until July 26th, 2009.  Click here for more info.  Check out some of the highlights of the collection in the gallery.  Click here for behind the scenes footage of the exhibit preparation.