Fashion psychology explores the complex relationship between our minds and our style choices, specifically how our clothing impacts our emotions, self-perception, and interactions with others. According to studies, when we dress a certain way, our ability to acquire knowledge improves.
But how does fashion evolve? What dictates trends? And how has the Valley become one of the foremost fashion exhibitors in the nation?
The Phoenix Art Museum (PhxArt) displays the answers via The Collection: Greatest Fits (Vol. 1): The Art of Archiving Fashion, an upcoming exhibit debuting this October.
“Our exhibits put Phoenix on the map as a nexus of fashion. PhxArt's fashion design collection is one of few such collections housed in American art museums,” says Helen Jean, PhxArt’s Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design.
According to the museum’s style aficionado Helen Jean, PhxArt produces provocative and compelling fashion exhibitions like The Collection: Greatest Fits (Vol. 1): The Art of Archiving Fashion, the first in a three-part series of rotating installations that uncovers impressive and iconic trends.
“All the designers featured are ‘celebrities,’ but the high-end couture is always a crowd pleaser, and this one will be resplendent with McQueen, Chanel, and Dior.”
The exhibit will consist of over 80 garments and accessories presented by The Arizona Costume Department like priceless pieces from Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. Showstoppers include an 18th century court gown and 1920s beaded gowns.
“Flapper dresses were a symbol of modernity and independence worn by young women who stayed out late, danced to jazz music and likely had a job the next morning to afford her lifestyle and nightlife.”
Iconic Exhibitions
Prior to the launch of The Collection: Greatest Fits (Vol. 1): The Art of Archiving Fashion, the museum held The Power of Pink, an installation that celebrated all things pink. Visitors viewed a handful of pink-hued garments from Christian Dior, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent presented in conversation with major exhibition Barbie®: A Cultural Icon Exhibition.
Before The Power of Pink, PhxArt showcased MOVE: The Modern Cut of Geoffrey Beene, which offered a rare and intimate view into the work of one of the most awarded fashion designers. Beene was a fashion rebel who ignored trends and instead designed garments that began as geometric shapes and evolved into free-flowing silhouettes.
Supporting The Arizona Costume Institute
The ongoing lineups of stylish displays are courtesy of The Arizona Costume Institute (ACI) founded in 1966 to support the museum’s Fashion Design Department. The ACI is excited to announce details on its 2024 Holiday Luncheon, one the Valley’s most anticipated fashion fundraising events, being held on December 9th. Attendees will be wowed by this year’s keynote speaker, famed designer Christian Siriano. Known for curating glamorous gowns, cocktail dresses, and tailored sportswear, Siriano has worked with A-list celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Taylor Swift. Spoken like a true fashionista, Siriano swears by the saying: “It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.”
Tickets available at phxart.org