Fashion Inspiration & Research

The exhibition showcased nearly 80 fashion pieces from The Museum at FIT’s permanent collection – the majority of which were on display for the first time – and featured the works of renowned designers such as Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, and Vivienne Westwood. They were organized thematically or by complementary aesthetics rather than chronology. The exhibition highlighted how sleeves serve as a vital mode of self-expression that reflects our gestures and movements, showcased their ability

The vast exhibition, charted the history of footwear, exploring its cultural significance from the Middle Ages to modern day, in both Western and non-European cultures, and explored how the shoe was incorporated into different styles of walking. Starting point for the exhibition were some shoes belonging to French queen Marie Antoinette and others from the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibition design was by the architect and designer Eric Benqué.

More than 100 items including dresses, gowns, suits, jackets, and accessories – all in black – designed by famed Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga were showcased. It focused on the designer’s artistry in working with black fabrics, embroideries, and lace. The items were created by the late designer in the prime of his career – from the 1940s through the 1960s. The pieces were from the Palais Galliera, the Paris fashion museum, and the archives of

The exhibition celebrated the illustrious life and career of the renowned fashion designer. It showcased nearly 70 ensembles sourced from de la Renta’s corporate and personal archives; the archives of French label Pierre Balmain; private lenders; and the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Throughout his award-winning career, which spanned more than five decades and two continents, de la Renta (1932–2014) designed beautiful clothes for every occasion in a woman’s life. The exhibition

The Old West’s influence on fashion and cultural trends was the subject of the exhibition commissioned by NorthPark Center. It displayed 19 looks highlighting visions of the American West interpreted by Native Americans as well as American and European designers. Ensembles by Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio do Sant’Angelo, Zandra Rhodes, Lanvin and other notables from TFC’s archive of 20,000 pieces were included as well as modern styles by Native American designers such as Marisa Mike.

Curated by Museum Director Peter Doroshenko and Director of Exhibitions Justine Ludwig, the exhibition showcased 180 pieces from the designer’s archive, presented in color groupings – granting a peek into the world of Mary Katrantzou and her masterful use of color that has been at the core of her aesthetic since the beginning of her brand.