Press RoomArizona Costume Institute’s 2024 Holiday Luncheon Raises Record-Breaking Amount for Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Programs
Arizona Costume Institute’s 2024 Holiday Luncheon Raises Record-Breaking Amount for Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Programs
Dec, 19, 2024
Special Events and Programs
Arizona Costume Institute’s 2024 Holiday Luncheon Raises Record-Breaking Amount for Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Programs
PHOENIX (Dec.19, 2024) — Arizona Costume Institute (ACI) hosted its highly anticipated Holiday Luncheon on December 9, 2024, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. The sold-out event welcomed over 500 guests and broke all records to support the fashion exhibitions, acquisitions and educational programs at Phoenix Art Museum.
One of the Valley’s most prominent fashion gatherings, the event featured a keynote presentation by award-winning designer Christian Siriano. Known for his whimsical and show-stopping designs, Siriano’s creations have been worn by high-profile figures such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, Oprah, Zendaya and Cardi B, among others.
Following the champagne reception, Siriano captivated the audience with a lively conversation hosted by Christina Kazis Sayare. During the discussion, Siriano shared insights into his career journey, the challenges and triumphs of building a brand rooted in inclusivity, and his perspective on fashion’s evolving role in society.
In addition to the presentation, the elegant event celebrated the philanthropic efforts of Honorary Chair Jacquie Dorrance, featured a plated two-course lunch and included a raffle with luxury items from both local and nationally recognized designers, boutiques and businesses.
The luncheon was chaired by Catherine Tuton and Barbara Lytle, with Hillary Sher, Lauri Termansen and Oscar De las salas serving as ambassadors for the event. Their efforts were instrumental in driving fundraising and raising awareness of ACI’s impact on Phoenix’s vibrant art scene.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Arizona Costume Institute and its members for their continued support of Phoenix Art Museum. The Holiday Luncheon has once again provided crucial funding for our fashion exhibitions, acquisitions, conservation efforts and educational programs, directly benefiting our community,” said Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of Phoenix Art Museum.” “Hosting the event at the historic Arizona Biltmore and returning to the location of the first Holiday Luncheon was a resounding success, and we are grateful to everyone involved for making it such a memorable occasion. We extend our deepest thanks and congratulations to the 2024 Holiday Luncheon co-chairs Catherine Tuton and Barbara Lytle, our 2024 Ambassadors, and the entire planning committee, whose efforts were instrumental in delivering a truly unforgettable event.”
About Arizona Costume Institute Arizona Costume Institute was founded in 1966 to support the fashion department of Phoenix Art Museum through the acquisition and preservation of garments and accessories of historical and aesthetic significance and through events and fundraising efforts that support and deepen awareness of the Museum’s fashion exhibitions and education programs. ACI’s support of this collection area depends on the enthusiasm of dedicated volunteers. The ACI Board of Managers 2023-2025 president is Joy Sprink. To learn more about Arizona Costume Institute, visit arizonacostumeinstitute.org.
About the Fashion Collection of Phoenix Art Museum The Fashion Collection at Phoenix Art Museum strives to tell an accurate history of fashion and is actively pursuing works that represent a broader and more inclusive glossary of designers. Comprising nearly half of the Museum’s permanent holdings, the collection houses nearly 9,000 examples of fashionable dress and accessories from five centuries of style. With everything from a pair of 17th-century sueded-leather gloves to 21st-century couture runway looks, the collection explores the art of dressing and seeks out the rarest examples of these dress traditions. Celebrated for its quality and comprehensiveness, the collection boasts strengths in 19th-century womenswear as well as works by 20th-century designers, with significant examples from major representatives of European and North American fashion history. Special archives within the collection include the Ann Bonfoey Taylor wardrobe of more than 200 examples by mid-century couture designers, The Emphatics Archive of more than 400 works from avant-garde designers, and the Geoffrey Beene Archive, with more than 300 evening gowns and custom designs.
About Phoenix Art Museum Since 1959, Phoenix Art Museum (PhxArt) has engaged millions of visitors with the art of our region and world. Located in Phoenix’s Central Corridor, PhxArt creates spaces of exchange and belonging for all audiences through dynamic exhibitions, collections, and experiences with art. Each year, 300,000 guests on average engage with critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions and the Museum’s collection of more than 21,000 works of American and Western American, Asian, European, Latin American, modern, and contemporary art and fashion design, along with vibrant photography exhibitions made possible through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona in Tucson. PhxArt also presents live performances, outstanding examples of global cinema, arts-education programs and workshops, an art+music festival, and more for the community. To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit phxart.org, or call 602.257.1880.
