Bat hat, c. 1916-18

What's Halloween without a bat? These small, flying mammals are a favorite Halloween motif, appearing as costumes, decorations, even candy. Though they're generally harmless to humans, western cultures usually consider bats the eeriest of creatures.... Read Article ››

Event: Monarchy Lecture & Royal Tea

Monarchy Lecture & Royal Tea December 1, 2012 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join FIDM Museum curators Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson, with historians Dale Gluckman and Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, in a discussion of British Royal Dress from The Helen Larson... Read Article ››

Political T-shirts

With the 2012 presidential election less than 2 weeks away, political discourse is inescapable. The candidates, their positions, and rabid speculation on the outcome of the upcoming election dominate the news. For some people, political beliefs are a private... Read Article ››

Betsey Johnson sweater, 1983-84

Is it a sweater or is it a dress? A sweater dress? For the fan of Betsey Johnson's playful, eye-catching designs, this question would be of little concern. According to the designer herself, people who wear Betsey Johnson, "don't get stuck in... Read Article ››

RIPPED: Expressions from the Underground

RIPPED: Expressions from the UndergroundNovember 8–December 22, 2012 FIDM Museum & Galleries   RIPPED: Expressions from the Underground, explores the art and influence of punk rock on design and culture. Curated by Cesar Padilla, artist, musician,... Read Article ››

Chanel day dress, c. 1937

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's (1883-1971) reputation is staked primarily on her exploration of menswear-inspired suits and her promotion of the understated little black dress. Though these creations are an important part of her aesthetic, her... Read Article ››

Girl’s embroidered ensemble, c. 1865

Girl's ensemblec. 1865 Silk faille, cotton embroidery floss & mother-of-pearl Museum Purchase 2010.5.4A-C Pink for girls and blue for boys is a twentieth-century adage; these colors were not always gendered this way. During the nineteenth century,... Read Article ››