FIDM Magazine

Tucked behind a glass door in a lush patio, a mere three miles away from USC, resides the FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles.  Since its founding in 1978, the gem museum has provided inimitable exhibits, most often related to fashion and costumes.

The current exhibition on display, “Fabulous!” most certainly lives up to its name.  The collection features Western fashion dating from 1800 to present, which the FIDM Museum spent the last decade accumulating.  The acquisitions range from 18th century Parisian evening gowns, to avant-garde shoes, to complete Gianni Versace outfits made from leather and safety pins.  

The number of donated and purchased pieces is astonishing, as every item not only is aesthetically unique, but also serves as a cultural artifact.  As visitors stroll through the exhibit to admire the white mannequins adorned in Dior dresses, or to peer through the display cases at the vintage Chanel statement jewelry, they are simultaneously viewing impeccably preserved relics that serve as examples of history and transitions in societal customs. 

A focal point of the collection was an Alexander McQueen winter 2008/2009 gown made of silk organza, tulle and lace.  The skirt of the dress is composed of black, lace peacock feathers that symbolize war and imperial power in India, as well as the Empress of India.  McQueen also nodded to British society through the “New Look” silhouette of the dress, which Queen Elizabeth II used to favor. 

Other highlights of the collection include a ruby Marc Bohan for Dior gown from summer 1985, a Yves Saint Laurent evening suit with sequins, bead and rhinestones, a silk Monique Lhuillier wedding gown and an Elsa Schiaparelli magenta evening jacket with metallic embroidery floss.  

After viewing the exhibit, visitors can browse the museum store, which offers fashion coffee books, distinctive jewelry and creative gifts.  The store also houses a 375-page, full-color catalogue available for purchase that accompanies the “Fabulous!” exhibit. 

“Fabulous!” is open and free for the public to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. until Dec. 17.  The FIDM Museum is located at 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90015.   For further information regarding current and upcoming exhibits, please visit the FIDM Museum website at http://fidmmuseum.org/exhibitions/current/. 

Reach writer Chloe Gaffney here