Norman Norell
Norman Norell (1900-1972) was born and raised in the midwest (Indiana) and moved to New York City as soon as possible. Norell studied at Parsons School of Design and after a brief return to Indiana to open a batik shop in 1920 or 1921, he returned to the... Read Article ››

Swimwear in the twentieth century
In 1913, Vogue magazine featured its first patterns for bathing costumes. These do-it-yourself patterns were intended to fill the “distinct need for smart bathing costumes,” an indication that swimming had become a widespread and fashionable... Read Article ››

Would you like to go for a swim?
As August turns to September, we're all thinking about how to best enjoy the last days of summer. For many, this means getting in one last swim. Imagine what it would be like to paddle around in the water wearing the wool "swimsuit"... Read Article ››

Boué Soeurs
If you're looking for a research project, here's a great one for you! See if you can add anything new to the existing information about the Boué Soeurs, the pair of French sisters who designed this lingerie-style dress... Read Article ››

Paul Poiret: King of Fashion
Ladies come to me for a gown as they go to a distinguished painter to get their portrait put on canvas. I am an artist, not a dressmaker.  Paul Poiret, 19131 Throughout most of the nineteenth century, the fashionable female silhouette stood away... Read Article ››

Thanks!
Thanks to Heather of the dress studies blog Worn Through for her complimentary review of this blog! You can read the review here. Earlier this year, Worn Through featured an interview with our collections manager, Christina Johnson. You can read all three... Read Article ››

Found textiles
All museum employees are charged with careful collection oversight. We monitor temperature and humidity, store objects with an eye to preventing damage while also trying to learn more about each object in the collection. Despite these efforts, we sometimes... Read Article ››

Mae West
Mae West's (1893-1980) most famous attribute was her figure. Buxom, rounded and held in place by rigid corsets, West's silhouette provoked a degree of outrage, while also serving as her best publicity. Her hourglass shape was immortalized in 1937 when... Read Article ››

Adrian Ltd.
“What must be admired most in Adrian’s fashions is their construction; he is an architect, balancing proportions and studying every line. His approach is original and frequently unconventional, but that is what makes the viewing of an Adrian... Read Article ››

Adrian: Hollywood Costume Designer
Because of our location in Los Angeles, the FIDM Museum is fortunate to house costumes from a variety of Hollywood films. Many of these costumes are associated with the early years of the film industry and were worn by stars such as Marlene Dietrich and... Read Article ››

Just a glimpse…
Now that you’ve been introduced to the FIDM Museum, you’re probably wondering where and how we’ve acquired our objects. Museums acquire new objects in a variety of ways, but purchases, bequests and donations are the most common avenues by... Read Article ››

Louella Ballerino
Louella Ballerino? Who's that?Though you may not recognize her name, her design sensibility was crucial to the creation and popularization of the California look--casual, functional, colorful clothing designed to complement the relaxed California... Read Article ››
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