Fundraising Friday: Crowned Head
The FIDM Museum is in the final weeks of a major fundraising campaign to purchase the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, a private collection of 1,400 historic garments and accessories from four centuries. Each Friday, this blog will present an... Read Article ››

Vain as a Peacock
Society ladies maintained highly structured social lives in the years leading up to World War I, requiring many different types of clothing. After doffing her morning dress, a lady might change into an afternoon suit for a stroll, choosing an outfit that... Read Article ››

Lazy Daisies of Summer
A native of Georgia, milliner Archie Eason served in the Coast Guard before becoming a stock boy in the Cohen Brothers department store in Jacksonville, Florida, in the early 1950s. With no formal training or experience, he quickly earned a promotion to the... Read Article ››

Put on your Easter bonnet!
Just in time for Easter bonnet inspiration, the FIDM Museum's Orange County Gallery is presenting A Century of Millinery Style: Hats from the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, open through June 17. The installation–a modified version... 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 ››

Jeanne Lanvin bonnet, 1913
Jeanne Lanvin 1913 Gift of Joshua & Jenny Livingston 2000.879.39 Like her contemporary Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin's (1867–1946) career began with hats. As a teenager, Lanvin apprenticed with at least two Parisian milliners,... Read Article ››

Green in fashion
Thanks to Pantone, avoiding a pinch on St. Patrick's Day will be much easier this year. According to their decree, 2013 is the year of emerald green, a rich jewel tone "that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."1 Due to... Read Article ››

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 ››

Adolfo hat, c. 1973
Fall is officially here! After the autumnal equinox on September 22, the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Even in Los Angeles, there is sometimes a chilly bite in the air. Naturally, we've got to start dressing for the weather--coats, sweaters,... Read Article ››
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