The FIDM Costume Collection

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's Museum Foundation was founded in 1978, to serve the college and the community. The 10,000 piece collection consists of significant clothing from the late 19th century to the present day, including theater and film costume, the comprehensive Rudi Gernreich Collection, the California Historical Society Collection and the Hollywood Costume Collection, the later two on long-term loan.

Top California designers are represented, such as Gilbert Adrian, Travis Banton, Irene, Howard Greer, Helen Rose, James Galanos, Michael Novarese, Agnes Barrett, and Louella Ballerino.

The Los Angeles Gallery presents annually "The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design," an exhibition of Academy Award nominee costumes. Museum displays are also mounted at the satellite FIDM campuses in San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego. Travelling exhibits have been to Japan, Italy, and New Zealand, and examples from the collection can be seen by following the links below:

Rudi Gernreich

The Cameo Collection

FIDM students also have access to the Study Collection; which is comprised of garments hand-picked by professors for students to physically handle and examine. Students are able to study the construction, trim, styling, and period details. The Study Collection is also used as needed to enhance the curriculum for textiles and patterns, in creative classes, and for live reference in sketching classes.

(The silk jacket and vest with hand-painted portrait buttons from 1895 - pictured above - is from the California Historical Society Collection, and is also shown with a pair of leather ankle boots from 1890.)