It’s safe to say that high fashion has a home in Phoenix. And no, we aren’t just talking about the world class shopping and those who regularly indulge in retail therapy at Barneys. We are mostly referring to the Phoenix Art Museum’s extensive costume collection and the consistently impressive exhibitions curated by costume curator extraordinare, Dennita Sewell. From the recent display of Ann Bonfoey Taylor’s amazing wardrobe to the upcoming exhibition highlighting pieces from world-renowned designer, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, we can hardly keep up with the couture.

Sant’Angelo’s exhibition, opening September 17 and continuing through February 12, will feature pieces from his extensive and critically acclaimed design career including Gypsy (1969) and Natives of the Americas (1970s) which were innovative at the time and no doubt influential in the recent revival of these trends. Here is what Dennita has to say about the exhibition in a recent interview with Arizona Costume Institute:

“Sant’Angelo was an artist with the exceptional ability to see beyond the established fashion norms, creating designs that were revolutionary in every sense – from the fabric, to the cut, to his interpretation of cultural influences. His dynamic creativity defined him as a designer and his ingenious use of stretch fabrics went beyond high fashion to influence the look of mainstream clothing. This exhibition brings new light to the magnitude of Sant’Angelo’s influence and his continued impact on fashion designers and stylists working today.”

The countdown begins.

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