American Fabrics Magazine: An Introduction

The FIDM Museum Special Collections hold a treasure trove of fashion ephemera. From personal and business archives to trade publications, these supplementary materials help us interpret the physical objects in the Museum's collection. Today, Registrar/Museum Coordinator Leigh Wishner, our resident textile aficionado, introduces you to a magazine that illustrates the importance of fabrics in fashion, Read More »

Maison Duvelleroy: Fan Purveyor Extraordinaire

Associate Curator Christina Johnson writes about the extraordinary Duvelleroy fans in the FIDM Museum Collection. The Fan Association of North America (FANA) generously supported the archival display of select fans in this blog for FANtasy: The Mona Lee Nesseth Fan Collection at the FIDM Museum. Duvelleroy catalogue, c. 1903, Gift of Serge Davoudian, SC2019.1728.1 By the late Read More »

FIDM Museum YouTube Channel

The FIDM Museum is proud to introduce our newly-launched YouTube channel, home of our extensive collection of video content. Catwalk History slideshow from the 2018 exhibition Capturing the Catwalk: Runway Photography from the Michel Arnaud Archive, now available to watch on YouTube Start your viewing with Curator Kevin Jones’ introduction of the FIDM Museum Collection, Read More »

Scott Barrie

In 1966, Women’s Wear Daily highlighted the innovative work of a young New York designer fresh on the scene: Scott Barrie (1941 - 1993). Inspired by Madame Grès and the sinuous gowns of the 1930s, Barrie’s fashions were based on his experiments with draping, resulting in a collection of flattering, flowing dresses and pants that Read More »

Royalty Revealed: Discovering a New Acquisition (Part One)

  FIDM Museum Curator Kevin Jones shares a very exciting (and regal!) new acquisition in today's post. In this two-part series, learn how the Museum found this object, collaborated with a colleague across the pond to verify its origins, and its significance to the scholarship of royal dress.  ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ The FIDM Museum acquires objects for Read More »

FIDM Museum Digital Resources

In the days ahead, all of us at the FIDM Museum understand how important it will be to find connection virtually with your favorite cultural institutions. We are happy to provide several ways to interact digitally with our Museum; in addition to the resources listed below, we are excited to announce that our website and Read More »

FIDM Museum Now Closed

Dear FIDM Museum Community, Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition is now closed, as is the FIDM Orange County Campus gallery. The health and safety of our visitors is our priority; this decision was made in adherence to guidelines provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We look forward Read More »

The ‘Amphitrite’ Fan

Today's post is an in-depth look at a very special new acquisition, written by French scholar Georgina Letourmy-Bordier. Letourmy-Bordier holds a PhD in French History of Art, specializing in Fans. She has organized several exhibitions dedicated to this object, and regularly has articles relating to fan research published. She is currently a fan specialist for Read More »

Learn

Research The FIDM Museum welcomes researchers. Collections objects can be accessed through the online database, or during in-person research appointments. Museum Collections Collections are accessible by appointment under the supervision of Museum staff. Appointments are generally one-hour long, and a maximum of five objects will be pulled. Contact: Kevin.Leslie.Jones@asu.edu with your name, affiliation, and area of Read More »

Welcome

BLOG COLLECTIONS Calendar Exhibitions Donate Connect with the FIDM Museum Be part of the conversation#fidmmuseum Read More »

About

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 Read More »

Betsy Bloomingdale and the Battle of Versailles

In the mid-20th century, the splendor of the Palace of Versailles, former home to France’s kings, queens, and emperors, had drastically faded. The palace was in extreme disrepair, facing millions of dollars worth of renovations to restore it to its former glory. Cut to 1973: Versailles Chief Curator Gerald Van der Kemp and his wife Read More »