Fashioned in America
'Fashioned in America' will be at Phoenix Art Museum
from Oct. 11, 2014, to March 15, 2015.
The exhibition brings together the best American talent
and underscores the value of supporting domestic
design and manufacturing.
Featuring more than 30 ensembles and accessories, the exhibition will highlight work by contemporary designers such as Wes Gordon, Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Monique Lhuillier, Anna Sui, Libertine, Rosie Assoulin, Shinola, Patrick Ervell and Nanette Lepore, whose vision and talent are invigorating the revival of U.S. clothing manufacturing.
A special director’s edition of the documentary Make It in America: Empowering Global Fashion (2014) by James Belzer will also be playing on a loop as part of this exhibition. The film explores the reinvigoration of domestic apparel production highlighted by interviews with Martha Stewart, Nanette Lepore, Andrew Rosen and other key makers, designers and influencers working in fashion today.
“American fashion today is thriving under the direction of many talented
designers who are interested in making exquisite clothing
that requires hands-on collaboration with the manufacturer,”
said Dennita Sewell, Phoenix Art Museum’s Curator of Fashion Design.
She added that
“this exhibition gives a snapshot of the diversity of
high quality designs being made in the U.S. and
underscores the impact of domestic production in our society.”
A growing number of consumers want to know where the products they buy are made and have an increased awareness of the value of buying locally and domestically. An interest in labor practices, a focus on job creation and the economy are prompting an increased effort to manufacture stateside. Fashion designers’ manufacturers are leveraging technology, hands-on supervision and quick response time to increase their global competitive edge. This shift has important effects on the global economy and alludes to a new era of America self-reliance.
“This exhibition’s focus on the push to manufacture more goods domestically and buy locally are topics of discussion within every industry right now,” said James K. Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director at Phoenix Art Museum. “We are thrilled to bring this show to the Phoenix audience because this subject is a major theme in the conversations around the globe about the future of fashion.”
Gilles Mendel for J. Mendel (French, born 1955),
evening dress, spring 2009.
Silk lace, silk tulle and metal mosaic trim.
Gift of J. Mendel in honor of the exhibition
Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style.
Photo by Ken Howie.
Fashioned in America was organized by Phoenix Art Museum with support provided by The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Endowment Fund. The objects in this exhibition are from fashion houses and Phoenix Art Museum’s archive. Here is a sneak peek at the exhibition.
(left) Nanette Lepore (American, born 1964), dress, fall 2013. Cotton, viscose and leather.
Lent by Nanette Lepore. Photo by Ken Howie.
(right) Anna Sui (American, born 1964), dress, spring 2014. Polyester tulle with cotton and nylon embroidery.
Lent by Anna Sui. Photo by Ken Howie.
(left) Monique Lhuillier (Filipino, born 1971), evening dress, spring 2013. Digitally printed silk chiffon.
Gift of Monique Lhuillier. Photo by Ken Howie.
(right) Chado Ralph Rucci (American, born 1957), “Motherwell” Infanta Gown, Spring 2005.
Alligator leather on silk tulle, duchess silk satin.
Gift of Chado Ralph Rucci in honor of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary. Photo by Ken Howie.
(left) Wes Gordon (American, born 1987), cocktail dress, spring 2014. Viscose and nylon.
Lent by Wes Gordon. Photo by Ken Howie.
(right) Yeolee Teng (American, born 1955), “Mobius” ensemble, fall 2008.
Double-faced wool, viscose and elastane.
Gift of Yeohlee Teng in honor of the exhibition Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style. Photo by Ken Howie.
Fashioned in America
