Silk chiffon evening dress, 1975
  Evening dress1975Silk chiffon & silk crepeGift of Phyllis WayneS2007.915.1AB Purchased in 1975 at Sak's Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills, this dress was worn by the donor to a family wedding. After the wedding, it was packed away and never worn... Read Article ››

Exhibition design at the FIDM Museum
  Exhibition design encompasses every element of an exhibition. Paint colors, platform shapes, cases, lighting, traffic flow and many other elements work together to support and enhance the narrative created by the objects on display. At the FIDM... Read Article ››

Bonnie Cashin ensemble, c. 1978
  Full disclosure: I'm a big fan of Bonnie Cashin. Though I admire an elegant evening gown as much as anyone, I appreciate Cashin's interest in creating a wardrobe that suited the everyday activities of twentieth-century women. Within this framework,... Read Article ››

Marlene Dietrich’s evening shoes
  The 20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition opens next week! This year's exhibition showcases over 100 costumes from 20 films released in 2011. What's more, we're also featuring a selection of classic costumes from both... Read Article ››

1970s Gunne Sax dresses
  Gunne Sax's aesthetic has been described as feminine, nostalgic, Victorian, old world and romantic. Though the brand is now closely associated with formal and bridal wear, its origins date back to late '60s San Francisco. In 1969, San... Read Article ››

How do curators dress when doing research?
Our curators go the extra mile when they’re researching an exhibition! Wearing historically accurate dress, inside and out, Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson recently attended the Jane Austen Evening in Pasadena, CA. Sponsored by the Society for Manners... Read Article ››

Blanche and Simone velvet hat, c. 1930-33
  The 1931 Paris Exposition Coloniale Internationale was designed to showcase the artistic and cultural achievements of France's colonial possessions, while also demonstrating the mutual benefits of the colonial relationship. At the time... Read Article ››