Muslin dress, c. 1845

The ideal 1840s woman was a delicate being. She was innocent, modest, sensitive to etiquette, possessed of softly rounded shoulders and had a demure gaze. According to one 1843 description, proper young women, "never go into a passion, have no will of... Read Article ››

Adolfo hat, c. 1973

Fall is officially here! After the autumnal equinox on September 22, the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Even in Los Angeles, there is sometimes a chilly bite in the air. Naturally, we've got to start dressing for the weather--coats, sweaters,... Read Article ››

Gothe evening gown, early 1950s

How do you pin a corsage on a strapless gown? This question was posed by florists in the early 1950s, when strapless evening and ball gowns were all the rage. In lieu of pinning the corsage on a shoulder strap, florists suggested creative alternatives. Create... Read Article ››

FABULOUS! video

FABULOUS! opened one year ago this week! To celebrate, we're taking a look back at the exhibition via a brief video. Short and sweet, it takes you inside the exhibition for a chance to revist your favorite pieces. You'll even see some pieces that have... Read Article ››

Todd Oldham patchwork vest

Todd Oldham1991-92Museum Purchase2005.5.9 Todd Oldham's (b. 1961) designs were anything but basic. Instead of tasteful button down shirts or quiet business suits, Oldham offered eclectic ornamentation and an exuberant, catch-all approach to inspiration.... Read Article ››

Side-button boots, 1870s

  The Victorian woman's wardrobe was divided into a dizzying array of categories. Morning, visiting, walking, evening, traveling, shopping, and mourning are just some of the activities and circumstances that demanded a dedicated ensemble.... Read Article ››

Princess Mary’s 1922 going-away dress

The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, which the FIDM Museum is currently fundraising to acquire, includes over 50 ensembles worn by British royal women. In this blog post, Associate Curator Christina Johnson examines a dress with royal provenance,... Read Article ››

Crochet can hat, 1968-1970

We try to approach every object in the FIDM Museum collection with a critical, evaluative eye. But how do you maintain the necessary scholarly distance when confronted with a hat made from beer cans? It's hard not to smile, or at least raise an eyebrow... Read Article ››