Donors make the museum

Do you wonder how the FIDM Museum is able to acquire so many fabulous objects? Two words: generous donors. Most donations take one of two forms: dress and textile objects or financial contributions. Objects, if they are in good condition and fit the scope of our collection, are accessioned into the FIDM Museum collection. Financial contributions allow us to purchase objects that enhance our collection. Both types of donations are greatly appreciated and contribute to the breadth and depth of our holdings. We are currently engaged in an exciting campaign to raise funds for the acquisition of a very special collection.

Here’s more information about this project from our curator, Kevin Jones.

The FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is excited to announce a once-in-a-lifetime fundraising opportunity to purchase a major collection of historically important women’s, men’s, and children’s fashions, dating from 1600 to 1950. Among the notable objects are garments associated with Queens Caroline, Victoria, Alexandra, and Mary of England; Czarina Marie of Russia; and Empress Eugénie of France. Major haute couture  designers include: Worth, Doucet, Pingat, Fortuny, Poiret, Vionnet, and Chanel.

Gathered over a fifty-year period by well-known, Los Angeles-based historian Helen Larson, this collection helped to establish the academic study of fashion history. It was formed at the same time as the Doris Langley Moore Collection in Bath, England, and the Elizabeth Day McCormick Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This is the last collection of its kind still in private hands, and would be   nearly impossible to duplicate in depth and breadth of objects. The acquisition of the approximately 1,000-piece Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection will launch the FIDM Museum into the international realm of European fashion studies, particularly royal history.

Worth & Bobergh Day Dress
c. 1865
Silk Satin
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection The FIDM Museum was established in 1978 to provide a research facility of garments, accessories, and visual materials for students, researchers, designers, and the public. Currently, the Museum’s collections span 200 years, from 1800 to the present. The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection will increase the time-span of study to 400 years.
Formal Gown & Shawl
c. 1800
Embroidered Cotton Mull
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection Your help is greatly needed to raise funds to acquire this stellar collection during our four-year campaign. We are asking for fully tax-deductible pledges of $250 or more. Individuals, groups, and businesses who donate $2,500 or more will be perpetually connected to the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, and become a Friend of Fashion at the FIDM Museum, our new support group.
Court Skirt & Train associated with Queen Marie Antoinette of France
c. 1775
Silk Brocade & Embroidery
Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection

For more information, please contact curator Kevin Jones: 213.623.5821 x3367, or kjones@FIDMmuseum.org

The FIDM Museum Foundation is a California non-profit 501(c)3.

Comments

[Ingrid Mida]

What an exceptional collection! I am especially entranced with the dress "associated with Queen Marie Antoinette". Does that mean she might have worn it? Or was it from her era? I thought she was fond of paler hues. I wish you much success in raising the necessary funds as it would be marvelous to see these gowns on display.

[Amy Osterholm]

Some of us who were privileged to view a donated men's 18th c. embroidered suit last summer are looking forward to seeing your photos of that amazing acquisition - or did I miss it?

[Rachel]

Ingrid, Thanks for this question, as I'm sure you're not the only one wondering about the Marie Antoinette association. First, I should stress that all the objects in this collection are the subject of ongoing research. The research indicating that this gown is associated with Marie Antoinette comes from Helen Larson, who was a well-respected dress historian. All of the objects in her collection are well-documented.

Yes, it definitely dates to Marie Antoinette's era. The shape of the skirt tells us this is a court gown, which was a very regimented form of dress (essentially a uniform) during this period of French history. Additionally, the type of embroidery seen on the skirt appears on other garments documented to be "associated" with Marie Antoinette. Also, the floral iconography has been linked to flowers associated with Marie Antoinette.
So, we're not suggesting that this skirt was worn by Marie Antoinette, but that the style/embellishment of the skirt indicate that it would have been worn by someone associated with her and the French court.
Finally, thank you for your good wishes! We are very excited about this project.

[Rachel]

Amy, you haven't missed new photos of that suit! I haven't been able to post them yet, as we haven't yet photographed the entire ensemble. Unfortunately, we have a tremendous backlog of objects to photograph, so it will take some time to get those images up on the blog. As I'm sure you have noticed, menswear is somewhat rare on our blog, so I'm looking forward to posting more information about the court suit. For the curious, this is the post that Amy's comment refers to: http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2009/08/just-a-glimpse.html