ArtCollectionsFashion Design

Fashion Design

The fashion design collection features nearly 9,000 objects of couture, accessories, and ephemera. Spanning nearly five hundred years, from the historical to the ultra-contemporary, the fashion design collection is one of the most unique of its kind in the world.

Fashion Design

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About the Collection

Founded in 1966, the fashion design collection features more than 8,000 objects that represents five centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children, from the late 17th century to the present. Notable for its range and comprehensiveness, the collection features significant works from iconic fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Christian Dior, Claire McCardell, Fortuny, Giorgio di Sant Angelo, Halston, Ralph Rucci, Iris van Herpen, Yohji Yamamoto and Schiaparelli among many others across the history of fashion.

Each work that becomes a part of the collection is judged on its merit as a work of art, with the design of the object, its significance in the history of fashion and its condition all being taken into consideration. Highlights include a collection of mid-century haute couture including Charles James, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Madame Grès worn by Ann Bonfoey Taylor and an archive of avant-garde designers including Azzedine Alaïa, Jean Paul Gaultier, Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler, and Issey Miyake among many others. Both historical and contemporary works are considered for how they enhance the view of defining moments in the history of fashion and how they complement current holdings.

The Astaire Library within the Museum’s Lemon Research Library houses a collection of books and magazines relating to fashion including extensive holdings of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Godey’s Ladies Book.

Collection Highlights

Asymmetrical dress

Stéphane Rolland, French, born 1966 (Designer), 2008, gown, embroidered and draped silk faille, Gift of Stephane Rolland Haute Couture in honor of the exhibition Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style

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Coat (Abrigo)

Geoffrey Beene, American, 1927 - 2004 (Designer), fall 1996, coat, wool with silver metallic thread topstitching, Gift of The Geoffrey Beene Foundation in honor of the Museum's 50th Anniversary

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Hat with net and flowers (Sombrero con malla y flores)

Lulu Guinness, British, born 1960 (Designer), 2000, hat, wool, feathers, and nylon with artificial flowers, Gift of Mrs. Linda Herold

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“Liesel” gown (Traje “Liesel”)

Monique Lhuillier, born 1971 (Designer), spring 2011, dress, silk tulle with silk ribbon and bead embroidery, Gift of Ms. Monique Lhuillier in honor of the exhibition Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style

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“Motherwell” Infanta gown (Vestido de infanta “Motherwell”)

Ralph Rucci, American, born 1957 (Designer), spring 2005, gown, alligator leather on silk tulle and duchess silk satin, Gift of Chado Ralph Rucci in honor of the Museum's 50th Anniversary

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“The Dancers” gown (Traje “Las bailarinas”)

Ralph Rucci, American, born 1957 (Designer), spring 2010, dress, Pina Bausch printed gazaar, Gift of Chado Ralph Rucci in honor of the exhibition Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorroko Style

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Asymmetrical dress

Stéphane Rolland, French, born 1966 (Designer), 2008, gown, embroidered and draped silk faille, Gift of Stephane Rolland Haute Couture in honor of the exhibition Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style

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Ball gown (Vestido de gala)

Christian Dior, French, 1905 - 1957 (Designer), 1952, ballgown, silk satin, metallic thread embroidery, Gift of Mrs. Lois Alberts

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Ball gown of printed orange velvet with yellow, blue and black flowers

Hattie Carnegie, American, 1889 - 1956 (Designer), 1928, evening dress, printed velveteen, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Stone

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EXHIBITIONS

On view for a limited time, exhibitions present art from across the centuries and the globe, from iconic fashion to Old Master paintings, contemporary photography to historical objects of Asia.

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COLLECTIONS

Featuring more than 20,000 objects, the collection spans the globe, bringing the world to our city, and our city to the world.

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ARIZONA ARTIST AWARDS

Since 1986, Phoenix Art Museum has awarded more than $350,000 to over 200 Arizona-based artists through two annual artist awards opportunities.

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