'Fashion statements'

ASU FIDM Museum showcases collection in inaugural exhibition

SU FIDM Museum in Los Angeles launched “Fashion Statements,” its highly anticipated inaugural fashion exhibition under the ASU banner, drawing LA’s fashion elite. This event marked a significant milestone for both the ASU FIDM Museum and Arizona State University, underscoring ASU’s growing influence as a leader in the arts and a key player in the creative economy. The exhibition served as a testament to ASU’s commitment to fashion education and its influence on cultural conversations.

“Fashion Statements” tapped into the museum’s extensive 15,000-piece archive, delving into the role that fashion plays in shaping identity, culture and history. Curated selections from 36 prominent fashion leaders — many based in Los Angeles — reflected the dynamic interplay between fashion and societal shifts across centuries.

The opening night reception was a highlight of the LA cultural calendar, attracting a vibrant mix of designers, collectors, cultural influencers and industry insiders. Guests such as fashion designer Johnny Cota and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Symone, as well as legendary record executive, talent manager and television producer Benny Medina, were among the first to view the more than 70 historically significant garments selected by the guest contributors.

The event was also an opportunity for current ASU FIDM students to step into the fashion world. One such student — Faith George — was among the first to view the items on display as part of her work as an ASU FIDM Museum assistant.

“By attending the opening reception for ‘Fashion Statements,’ I had the opportunity to meet designers and see the one-of a-kind fashion objects that have inspired them throughout their careers,” said George, who is studying fashion design in Los Angeles. “I couldn’t recommend this exhibition more and would encourage anyone in the LA area to plan a visit!”

Christine Devine, an ASU Cronkite alumna and distinguished television news anchor in Los Angeles, best known for her work on KTTV’s Fox 11 News, expressed her pride in being part of this momentous occasion.

“As an ASU Cronkite grad and longtime cheerleader for the university, I am thrilled to represent,” Devine said. “The gold embroidered bodice was a stunner. How could you not say, ‘Wow!’ and not be taken back to that era? The craftsmanship was magnificent!”

“The works in the ASU FIDM archives represent centuries of craftsmanship and creative expression in the fashion arts — the fashion statements of their time.”

Dennita Sewell, Founding Director and Professor of Practice, ASU FIDM

Opening night highlights

The opening night reception was a vibrant affair, attracting a who’s who of the fashion and entertainment industry. Highlights from the exhibition include:

A 1952 Christian Dior cocktail dress selected by five-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West.
A 1974 Holly Harp evening gown chosen by Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy.
Mae West’s custom-made lingerie and platforms, selected by Dita Von Teese.
A 1938 Elsa Schiaparelli evening ensemble selected by Valerie Von Sobel.
An Alexander McQueen Fall 2008–09 dress chosen by fashion critic Hanan Besovic.
A circa 1765 court gown selected by The House of Avalon.
A Patrick Kelly ensemble picked by costume designer Charlese Antoinette.

Special programming

Throughout the exhibition’s run, the museum hosted a series of lectures, panel discussions and workshops featuring museum curators, fashion historians, designers and industry experts. These programs offered deeper insights into how fashion has shaped — and continues to shape — global culture.