Events
 

The SEA

March 3 - July 15, 2012

Ellman Fashion Design Gallery


Since ancient time, man’s epic journeys on the vast and powerful seas have inspired stories of distant lands and adventure. Sea legends of mermaids and undersea odysseys from Neptune to Captain Nemo merge reality and myth. By the mid 19th century, the British naval and merchant marine force was the largest in the world and sailors in crisp navy and white uniforms were heroic icons of masculinity. Historical seaside dress and contemporary resort wear often featured motifs that drew upon nautical themes, forming a timeless trend of romantic fashions reminiscent of another time and place.


This exhibition explores the far-reaching influence of the romance of the sea on fashion design. Featuring ensembles from the 19th century to the current collections, the designs included are drawn from the Museum’s extensive permanent collection, private collections and international fashion houses including Emilio Pucci, Emanuel Ungaro and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.








EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING

All programs included with Museum general admission.

Always free for Museum Members.

Wednesday programs are free and open to the public




ARTBREAK GALLERY TALKS

Iridescence in The Sea

Wednesday, May 30 - 7pm


Ron Rutowski, Professor in the School of Life Sciences at ASU, explores this fascinating phenomenon in animals that fashion designers have adapted to their own creative purposes.









LECTURE


Resort Fashion: Style in Sun Drenched Climates

Wednesday, June 6 - 7pm


Fashion historian and author, Caroline Rennolds Milbank speaks about resort wear as discussed in her recent book, Resort Fashion. Classic vacation destinations and timeless looks are showcased in this fun in the sun page-turner, with highlights including resort inspired favorites from designers such as Poiret, Claire McCardell, Michael Kors, and Rodarte.


Caroline Rennolds Milbank has curated costume exhibitions at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Clark Art Institute. Other titles by the author include Couture, New York Fashion, and The Couture Accessory.



PHXARTKIDS DAY


Splish Splash!

Saturday, June 16 - 12-3pm


Take a cruise exploring two special exhibitions on this underwater art adventure! Discover aquatic animals, hear fishy tales, and explore fun ways to make Paper! art about The Sea!













Supporting the art of fashion since 1966 

Photos: Pierre Cardin, French, 1922- , Dress, 1965 (left), Wool jersey, Gift of Mrs. Peter Lipton 1975.c.250, Pierre Cardin, French, 1922- , Dress, 1969 (middle), Wool jersey, Gift of Mrs. Peter Lipton 1979.c.337, Pierre Cardin, French, 1922- , Dress, 1967 (right), Leather, Gift of Mrs. Peter Lipton 1975.c.253 Phoenix Art Museum Permanent Collection

The SEA: Top- Miuccia Prada (Italian, b. 1949). Coat, c. 1995-6, hand painted silk with paillette and bead embroidery. Lent by Mrs. Cheryl Fine.

Middle- Mabel Hay Barrows (American). Fan, 1888, cardboard with silk ribbon and metal fixtures.

Collection of Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Miss Carolann Smurthwaite.

Bottom- Judith Leiber, Handbag, 1979, pearl nautilus shell with gold-plated lid. Gift of Mrs. Kelly Ellman.

All photos by Ken Howie.