The Inimitable Victor Costa
Long before he earned his reputation as "fashion's knock-off king," Victor Costa (b. 1935) created a line of Bohemian-inspired dresses—including this maxi dress wittily woven with hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds—under the Romantica... Read Article ››

Butterflies By Night
While butterflies often symbolize springtime, lightness, and new beginnings, these pieces in the FIDM Museum collection refashion them as creatures of the night, equally at home in the darkness of winter. Evening SuitElsa Schiaparelli, ParisFall/Winter... Read Article ››

American Graffiti
No one could make a fashion statement like Stephen Sprouse, whose graffiti prints in Day-Glo spandex and Velcro were the uniform of the 1980s club scene, worn by rockers like Debbie Harry and Axl Rose. Combining mod and punk influences with contemporary... Read Article ››

Fashion Birthday: Yves Saint Laurent
  Yves Saint Laurent was born on this day in 1936. Active in the Paris haute couture from 1953 until his retirement in 2002, Saint Laurent is considered one of the most influential designers of the latter 20th century. Saint Laurent passed away in 2008,... Read Article ››

Karl Lagerfeld straw boater
  Boater Spring/Summer 1988 Karl Lagerfeld Straw, cotton Museum Purchase 2007.5.5 Mariner hats—known as boaters—have been popular with women since the 1880s, when they were stylish accessories for yachting ensembles and tailored suits patterned... Read Article ››

Chanel evening ensemble, 1985
  Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, this dramatic evening ensemble includes a floor-length silk crepe evening gown and feathered cape. Covered with iridescent coque (rooster) feathers, the cape is a true show-stopper. Because of the inherent... Read Article ››

John Paul Gaultier backwards jacket
  Backwards jacket (front) John Paul GaultierWinter 1985-86Gift of Lee Sheppard2012.38.1AB John Paul Gaultier's (b. 1952) backwards jacket is a witty take on the straight-laced business suit jacket. Though the wool and rayon jacket appears... Read Article ››

Styling Museum Mannequins
  Today's post is courtesy of Associate Curator Christina Johnson. Using a bright pink Stephen Sprouse ensemble as an example, Christina describes how we bring garments to life with research, mannequins, accessories, and styling. Thanks to Christina... Read Article ››
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