To be the global resource for the study of fashion
past, present, and future.

Harry Gordon paper dress, 1968, FIDM Museum Purchase, 2004.5.35A-D

Mission Statement

The FIDM Museum and Library, Inc. collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. It fosters student learning, public engagement, and recognition of the creative arts and entertainment industries by providing access to the collections through exhibitions, publications, and other research opportunities.

Museum History

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was founded in 1969. Staff from the Fashion Design Department assembled a fledgling Study Collection for hands-on classroom use in 1973. The nonprofit FIDM Museum and Library, Inc. was established in 1978.

During the 1990s, a curatorial department was established and the galleries were built. Today, thanks to more than a thousand generous donors, the FIDM Museum holds over 15,000 fashion objects dating primarily from the eighteenth century to the present, and 200,000 Special Collections artifacts.

Associate Curator Christina Johnson with FIDM Museum donors Donald and Joan Damask
Vivienne Westwood suit, Autumn/Winter 1993, FIDM Museum Purchase, 2004.5.61A-C

Collecting Policy

The FIDM Museum collects fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. Acquisitions have dynamic visual appeal in exhibitions or photographs; are an excellent example of an era, culture, or designer’s work; and hold meaningful artistic and social significance.

Donations and purchases support the Museum’s mission. Objects of interest include clothing and accessories, textiles, jewelry, film costumes, fashion magazines, photographs, and design archives.

To inquire about donating, please contact: Kevin.Leslie.Jones@asu.edu