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The É«¿Ø´«Ã½ collects, preserves and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. It fosters student learning, public engagement and recognition of the creative arts and entertainment industries by providing access to the collections through exhibitions, publications and other research opportunities

Photo: Evening dress, 1980; Michaele Vollbracht, New York City; Gift of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; É«¿Ø´«Ã½, 82.1980.070.1AB

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was founded in downtown Los Angeles in 1969. The nonprofit FIDM É«¿Ø´«Ã½ and Library, Inc., was established in 1978 as a hands-on student learning collection. As it grew in size and importance, a curatorial department was developed in 1997 and the galleries were enlarged. 

In 2023, Arizona State University announced that FIDM would be part of the expansion of fashion education at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at ASU—establishing É«¿Ø´«Ã½. Today, thanks to more than a thousand generous donors, the É«¿Ø´«Ã½ holds over 15,000 fashion objects dating back 400 years, including 200,000 Special Collections artifacts.

Photo: Purse, circa 1990; Luc Benoit, Paris, France; É«¿Ø´«Ã½, 2005.5.41

The É«¿Ø´«Ã½ collects fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. Acquisitions have dynamic visual appeal in exhibitions or photographs; are an excellent example of an era, culture, or designer’s work; and hold meaningful artistic and social significance.

Donations and purchases support the museum’s mission. Objects of interest include clothing and accessories, textiles, jewelry, film costumes, fashion magazines, photographs and design archives.

To inquire about donating, please email infoasufidmmuseum@asu.edu.     .

Photo: Evening Ensemble, Fall 1981; Zandra Rhodes; London, England; FIDM É«¿Ø´«Ã½ Purchase: Funds raised by the FIDM É«¿Ø´«Ã½ Fashion Council, 2015 É«¿Ø´«Ã½, 2015.5.33A-C