ASU FIDM Museum

Research informs all aspects of a fashion curator's work, including how Museum objects are presented and styled. This approach extends into how photoshoots are planned.

Swipe to see the editorial image that influenced the choice of angle and attitude for the exhibition photograph of this John Galliano suit. The original runway shot from the Museum's own Michel Arnaud Photography Archive was also consulted.

John Galliano
Jacket and Skirt
Paris, France, Fall/Winter 1995-96
Wool novelty weave
Museum Purchase, 2005.5.2AB
ASU FIDM Museum Collection

Suit by Ralph Lauren photographed by Steven Meisel
Vogue, July 1995
Gift of Tadashi Shoji
ASU FIDM Museum Collection

Photograph by Michel Arnaud
John Galliano, Fall/Winter 1995-96
ASU FIDM Museum Collection

EXHIBITION
Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia
in the 90s

Feb 20-June 27, 2026
ASU FIDM Museum
CLOSED April 18

FREE to the public
Wed-Sat 10-5

ASU California Center Grand
919 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Parking available under the building
$10, cards only

A series of snapshots from the ASU FIDM Museum's special collections document Alaïa fashion shows from 1991 and 1994.

Swipe to see some iconic designs!

Snapshots
Alaïa fashion shows, 1991 and 1994
Gift of Dorothy Washington Sorenson
SC2010.1110.424
ASU FIDM Museum Collection

COME SEE:
Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia in the '90s

Open FREE to the public
Feb 20-June 27, 2026

ASU FIDM Museum
Wed-Sat 10-5
CLOSED April 18

ASU California Center Grand
919 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Parking available under the building
$10, cards only

This glossy, patent leather jacket and skirt by Azzedine Alaïa from 1991 features a multi-color brush stroke pattern.

Alaïa studied sculpture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Tunisia and worked with Thierry Mugler in Paris before launching his own namesake line in 1981. From the beginning, Alaïa worked with leather and other fine materials cut in body-conscious styles meant to accentuate and empower feminine curves.

He also loved vintage fashion and incorporated many historic references into his contemporary designs. For example, the back of this tight skirt showcases a lace-up effect and seaming similar to 1930s corsetry.

See:
Suzy Menkes, "Ten Years Ago, Alaia Launched his Revolution,"New York Times, Sep 3, 1991.

Azzedine Alaïa
Jacket and Skirt
Paris, France, 1991
Patent leather
Gift of Dorothy Washington Sorensen
ASU FIDM Museum, 2010.1110.409AB

COME SEE:
Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia in the '90s

Open FREE to the public
Feb 20-June 27, 2026

ASU FIDM Museum
Wed-Sat 10-5
CLOSED April 18

ASU California Center Grand
919 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Parking available under the building
$10, cards only