ACI

The Arizona Costume Institute was founded in 1966 to
support Phoenix Art Museum's Fashion Design
Department in the acquisition and preservation of
garments and accessories of historical and aesthetic
significance. It also promotes appreciation of fashion
design through programs and support of the Museum's
exhibitions.

Some activities include monthly fashion and textile
programs, visits to private collections and studios,
events at local fashion stores, travel, luncheons and
receptions. Phoenix Art Museum's fashion design
collection is one of only about 15 such collections
housed in American art museums. ACI's support of
this collection area depends on the enthusiasm of dedicated volunteers to help
maintain and expand the collection. Membership provides an opportunity to share with others your interest in fashion as art.

Exhibitions that focus on clothing both as an art form and
cultural phenomenon are rotated regularly in the Fashion
Design Gallery. They underscore the significance of
fashion as it relates to social and economic history. The
Astaire Library of Costumes included in the Museum's
Lemon Art Research Library houses many rare
books and prints relating to costume and textiles.

Learn more about the collection

Supporting the art of fashion since 1966

2011 Arizona Costume Institute
All photos by Ken Howie

All garments included on this site are part of the
Phoenix Art Museum Permanent Collection
unless otherwise noted