From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley Lecture Series
Explore the glamour, exile, and mysterious public life of Princess Natalie Paley in this four-part lecture series at Hillwood Estate. The program expands on the stories presented in the exhibition *From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley*, examining Paley’s fashion legacy, family history, artistic milieu, and influence on American style.
The series features talks by Hillwood curators and guest scholars, with sessions held throughout October. Each lecture includes a reception-style evening schedule, and the October 29 program ends earlier than the preceding sessions.
When: October 8–29, 2026
Showtimes: October 8, 5:30–8:00 p.m.; October 14, 5:30–8:00 p.m.; October 21, 5:30–8:00 p.m.; October 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Schedule: October 8, “Princess Natalie Paley in Twentieth-Century Fashion: From Paris to New York,” with Megan Martinelli, Hillwood’s curator of textiles, apparel, jewelry, and accessories. The talk considers Paley’s role in modern fashion history.
October 14, “The International Best-Dressed List: The Official History,” with Amy Fine Collins. This program focuses on Princess Natalie Paley and the history of the International Best-Dressed List, followed by a book signing.
October 21, “The Belle Époque Life in Paris: Olga Paley and Paul of Russia and Their Avant-Garde Daughter, Princess Natalie Paley,” with Dr. Wilfried Zeisler, Hillwood’s chief curator and deputy director. The lecture explores the romance of Paley’s parents, Olga Paley and Grand Duke Paul of Russia, as well as their art collection and sophisticated Parisian lifestyle.
October 29, “Paley, Pebbles, and the Connecticut Avant-Garde,” with Kenneth Silver. The talk examines Natalie Paley’s Connecticut home, Pebbles, and her influence on the emerging American fashion scene.
Tickets: $0–$22
Venue: Hillwood Estate
Series: This is a four-part lecture series accompanying the exhibition *From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley*.