The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design exhibition wasn't the only one to open this week in our Los Angeles galleries. Another new installation–Fleurs: Botanicals in Dress from the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection–examines sartorial techniques that create eternal springtime and flowers that never fade: trompe l’oeil woven petals, shade-embroidered leaves, and three-dimensional silk bouquets.

Ball Gown
American
c. 1852
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection

In addition to these botanically-inspired gowns, the exhibition includes the flowered lace roundel made for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert recently featured on the blog. Fleurs: Botanicals in Dress from the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, until December 19. Like all of our exhibitions, it is free to the public. Also on display is Inspired Eye: The Donald and Joan Damask Design Collection at the FIDM Museum.

Opera Gown
Félix, Paris
c. 1887
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection

The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection is a private collection of 1,200 historic garments and accessories from four centuries, which the FIDM Museum is raising funds to purchase. You can help by making a contribution of any amount online or by mail, or join our #4for400 social media campaign. Donations are tax deductible; if your company has a matching gift program, your support will go even further. The FIDM Museum has until the end of 2015 to finish raising the necessary funds, so please join the campaign and help us keep these and many other beautiful and historically significant garments at FIDM forever.

Day Dress
British
1820s
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection