FASHIONED IN AMERICA Begins 10/11 at Phoenix Art Museum

Fashioned in America will be at Phoenix Art Museum from October 11, 2014 to March 15, 2015. The exhibition brings together the best American talent and underscores the value of supporting domestic design and manufacturing. Featuring more than 30 ensembles and accessories, the exhibition will highlight work by contemporary designers such as Wes Gordon, Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Monique Lhuillier, Anna Sui, Libertine, Rosie Assouline, Shinola, Patrick Ervell and Nanette Lepore, whose vision and talent are invigorating the revival of U.S. clothing manufacturing

A special director's edition of the documentary Make It in America: Empowering Global Fashion (2014) by James Belzer will also be playing on a loop as part of this exhibition. The film explores the reinvigoration of domestic apparel production highlighted by interviews with Martha Stewart, Nanette Lepore, Andrew Rosen and other key makers, designers and influencers working in fashion today. The objects in this exhibition are from fashion houses and Phoenix Art Museum's archive.

"American fashion today is thriving under the direction of many talented designers who are interested in making exquisite clothing that requires hands-on collaboration with the manufacturer," said Phoenix Art Museum's Curator of Fashion Design Dennita Sewell. She added that, "This exhibition gives a snapshot of the diversity of high quality designs being made in the U.S. and underscores the impact of domestic production in our society."

A growing number of consumers want to know where the products they buy are made and have an increased awareness of the value of buying locally and domestically. An interest in labor practices, a focus on job creation and the economy are prompting an increased effort to manufacture stateside. Fashion designers' manufacturers are leveraging technology, hands-on supervision and quick response time to increase their global competitive edge. This shift has important effects on the global economy and alludes to a new era of America self-reliance.

"This exhibition's focus on the push to manufacture more goods domestically and buy locally are topics of discussion within every industry right now," said James K. Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director at Phoenix Art Museum. Adding that, "We are thrilled to bring this show to the Phoenix audience because this subject is a major theme in the conversations around the globe about the future of fashion."

Fashioned in America was organized by Phoenix Art Museum with support provided by The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Endowment Fund. For additional information about the exhibition please visit phxart.org/exhibition/fashionedinamerica.

EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING:

Fashioned in America will be accompanied by the following programs:

• Student Salon: Fashioned In America - October 11
• Fashioning the Future - November 5
• The Elder Statesman's Greg Chait - December 13
• Make It in America: Empowering Global Fashion - January 2
• Made in America Symposium - January 17

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