Never did I imagine a fashion museum the likes of the Parodi Costume Collection in the heart of Miami, surely up there with cool things to do in Miami. Think over 5000 pieces from the most iconic names in world of fashion dating from 1880 through the 20th century to the present. Books have been written about facets of the collection, especially fashion from the Roaring Twenties . Part couture showroom, part museum, it’s all the work of the Spanish born  Paquita Parodi who’s the collector, restorer and fashion historian.

The museum, open by private appointment, is housed in a Bauhaus styled building and annex and handsomely landscaped with stately bamboo trees and hanging moss off of Biscayne Boulevard and 27th Street. On entering, one sees a mannequin exquisitely dressed in a cream colored silk and lace dress accessorized with long pearls and white satin shoes, a hint of the formidable collection of all matter of clothes and accessories from the 1920’s which filled the  pages of several coffee table books on the topic by Parodi.

From there the room opens up to couture dresses from Oscar de la Renta, representing the designer’s entire career, from 1960 to 2000.   In a corner is a display with antique objects — ivory tipped prods that were used to stretch the fingers of gloves, a mini book made of silver with a writing pad to note one’s dance list, gloves, broches, 1917 vintage glasses, 1920s cigarette holder.

Up the stairs on display are one of kind wearables from different periods — a Pucci girdle that could well be worn as outerwear today; a lace Edwardian slip worn under a 20’s flapper dress; cloches from the same period and a wig worn by Josephine Baker, along with garments recently restored by Parodi.

In the corner, a table and bookcases bearing the names of fashion greats, but instead of the usual knick knacks one might find, are vintage hats, shoes and handbags.  But competing for most impressive are the built in, floor to ceiling closets with clothes and accessories arranged by type and decade. So find everything from lingerie and sleepwear to night caps, handbags, capes, shawls, and even children’s clothes fit for princes and princesses.

Walk out of the building to the annex and it’s the workspace where garment restoration happens by Parodi. An entire wall has storage boxes filled with everything you could imagine that a seamstress would need to repair a garment — fringes, all matters of lace, ribbons, belts and so much more. And then there are doors that open with handles that mimic those of a safe. And indeed, behind those doors are boxes for garments that are too heavy to hang. They’re meticulously marked with a picture of the garment within along with the designer name and year created. Across from the boxes find floor length cloth coats and dresses for every imaginable occasion.

Parodi hosts students from Istituto Marangoni fashion school and Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College, who come here as a part of their curriculum, or to work as interns. The Collection is an educational platform, but also has its own programming: curates 3-4 shows per year, hosts guest lecturers, creates documentation and content, lends pieces to top major fashion museums in the world, is involved in collaborations with designers, historians, and fashion insiders, and advises the film and television industry on custom design.

It represents the passion and work of a lifetime and a lot of work it must be to find the special items, restore them and catalogue them. Her search has taken her from auctions at Christie’s, to flea markets in Paris, and private homes from Europe to Buenos Aires.

Visitors are welcome with a prior appointment. To make an appointment call 305- 409-0842 or 786-658-3106 Parodi Costume Collection, 276 N.E. 27th Street. To see more, follow them on instagram, @parodicostumecollection.