Fashion Design

  • Perfecto
  • Dress
  • Delphos Dress and Jacket


Online Gallery

Feast your eyes on a collection comprised of more than 4,500 American and European garments, shoes and accessories. It houses important fashions from the 18th to late 20th centuries and emphasizes major American designers of the 20th century including Adrian, Norell, Galanos, and Claire McCardell; and European Designers such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Exhibitions that focus on clothing both as an art form and cultural phenomenon are rotated regularly underscoring the significance of fashion as it relates to social and economic history. The Astaire Library of Costumes included in the Museum's Art Research Library houses many rare books and print relating to costume and textiles.

Select Exhibition History

One for All, and All for One

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
September 6, 2008 – February 1, 2009

Chado Ralph Rucci

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
March 21, 2008 - August 17, 2008

Graffiti Art and Fashion

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
September 22, 2007 - February 24, 2008

Automotivated

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
April 14, 2007 - September 2, 2007

After Dark: 100 Years of the Evening Dress

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
November 11, 2006 - April 1, 2007

Art in Hand: Judith Leiber Handbags

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
April 22, 2006 - August 27, 2006

Emilo Pucci
The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
July 2, 2005 – November 6, 2005

Balenciaga Couture
The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery
November 17, 2001 - May 5, 2002

Left: Perfecto "One Star" Jacket, SCHOTT,early 1960s. Horsehide, metal Talon zipper, metal snaps and buckle. Gift of Mrs. Kelly Ellman. Center: Dress, Emilio Pucci, c. 1960s. Printed cotton velveteen. Wool jersey knit. Gift of Mort and Marilyn Bloom. Right: Delphos Dress and Jacket, Mariano Fortuny, 1920s-1930s. Silk; Velvet stenciled with metals. Gift of Mrs. Burton Tremaine, 1970.c.229; Gift of Mrs. Joseph McMullan.