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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – “It’s a place to see and be seen. It’s just a sea of people wearing beautiful white garments,” says textile expert Leigh Reveley.
New Orleans has a long history of white linen that originates in Ireland.
As thousands of Irish immigrants moved to the city linen also made its way to America.
People have been wearing it since the 19th and 20th centuries.
“Traditionally, people were outside laboring and riding their horses around, so the white helped reflect the sun and after Queen Victoria, it was also a symbol of the aristocracy,” says Reveley.
During the 21st century, Whitney White Linen Night and the traditions behind this warm weather wear have taken off.
It all started with the revitalization of the warehouse district after the 1984 world’s fair.
“It came about with the bankers so you would know that spring was shifting into summer when all the bankers from Whitney would come in with their white linen,” says Reveley.
The very first Whitney white linen night kicked off in 1994 boasting art gallery after art gallery on Julia Street and it’s an appropriate setting.
The finest canvasses are made out of linen, too.
And if you’re wondering what to wear, check out this gallery:
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