Arizona Costume Institute

⭐️ Opening April 12, 2025 | The World of Anna Sui

Blending rock and roll with romanticism, Anna Sui taps into the timeless nostalgia of fashion’s earlier days and pairs it with her rocker aesthetic. Since premiering her first runway show in 1991, Sui has launched over 80 collections of ready-to-wear garments, accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances through her independent brand, effectively popularizing the boutique fashion look. Through head to toe looks, she has created a graphic, imaginative universe inhabited by alter-egos that draw inspiration from the worlds of cowgirls, grunge girls, hippie chicks, hula girls, Mods, pirate rock stars, Pre-Raphaelite maidens, and surfer nomads.

The World of Anna Sui features approximately 100 ensembles from the renowned designer’s archive, presenting a roll call of 12 archetypes that are staples of the Sui aesthetic. Featuring everything from garments to accessories, hair styles to makeup, scent to sound, the exhibition explores in minute detail the materials, cultural obsessions, and global styles that have inspired Sui for decades. As a special addition to the exhibition, Phxart will present looks from Sui’s recent collection, highlighting her work with experimental paper-like fabrics. Garments from the PhxArt fashion collection will be paired alongside Sui’s body of work, demonstrating the designer’s inspiration from the delicacies and details of former fashion trends.

Learn more about this exciting fashion exhibition at: https://phxart.org/exhibition/the-world-of-anna-sui/

Image credits: Spring Summer 2012 Isetan Mitsukoshi promotion featuring Frida Gustavsson. Image © Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello; Anna Sui, 2011 © Anna Sui

The World of Anna Sui is organized by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London, and curated by Dennis Nothdruft, Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. Its presentation at Phoenix Art Museum is coordinated by Helen Jean, The Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion, with Catherine Wise, the Hirabayashi Intern in Fashion. In-kind support provided by KJZZ.

The World of Anna Sui at Phoenix Art Museum is presented by Thomas Carlton Rogers II, Jacquie Dorrance/The Dorrance Family Foundation, Arizona Costume Institute, and The Kelly Ellman Fashion Endowment Fund.

Additional support provided by Tran Tran/AXIS Employment Services. In-kind support provided by KJZZ.

All exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum are underwritten by the Phoenix Art Museum Exhibition Excellence Fund, founded by The Opatrny Family Foundation with additional major support provided by Joan Cremin.

Arizona Costume Institute and PhxArt are excited to announce the 2024 ACI Holiday Luncheon featuring Christian Siriano. 👗

This year’s Holiday Luncheon on Monday, December 9, 2024 will be hosted at Arizona Biltmore Resort. The event will feature a champagne reception, luxury item raffle, lunch, and program with the renowned fashion designer.

Individual tickets will be available starting today, September 30th.
Get tickets at: https://shorturl.at/R0tzX

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or underwriting, please contact [email protected].

Image credit: Image courtesy of Christian Siriano.

✨Save the Date for the most anticipated fashion fundraising event of the year!✨

On December 9, 2024, Arizona Costume Institute will host its annual Holiday Luncheon, and this year's event will be co-chaired by Barbara Lytle and Catherine Tuton.

Barbara Lytle is President of the Hugh and Barbara Lytle Foundation, a non-profit foundation based in Scottsdale whose mission is to create a more inclusive and loving world by supporting community organizations that create safe environments for those that are vulnerable and in need of support. The foundation has a specific focus on Arizona-based non-profit organizations that work with women, children, underserved populations, and the arts. Notable organizations include Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, one•n•ten, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, and Arizona Costume Institute.

Catherine Tuton has a passion for serving her community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. With a love for philanthropy and a heart for giving back, she has been actively involved in various charitable endeavors over the past three decades. She embarked on her early career as an interior designer, bringing beauty and functionality into people's lives through her creative vision. Since then, she has been involved in various charitable organizations in California and Arizona, such as Girl’s Inc., A21, Phoenix Heart Ball, American Heart Association’s Women of Impact, Go Red for Women’s Executive Team, and Arizona Costume Institute, among others.

The 2024 ACI Holiday Luncheon speaker and other event details, including a link to purchase tickets, are forthcoming! Be the first to learn about the Holiday Luncheon speaker, ticketing information, and other exciting programs by joining ACI at: arizonacostumeinstitute.org/join

Image credit: Image courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum.