September 12, 2019 through February 23, 2020
Museum of Arts and Design, Floors 4 and 5

The World of Anna Sui exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design features approximately one-hundred looks from the designer’s archive, presenting a roll call of twelve archetypes that are staples of the Sui aesthetic.

Born and raised in Detroit, educated and discovered in New York, Anna Sui reinvented pop culture fashion with her signature rock-and-roll romantic label in the 1990s and has remained a design icon ever since.

Beginning with her premiere catwalk show in 1991, Sui has shaped not only the garments, textiles, accessories, cosmetics, and interiors that comprise her design universe, but also the course of fashion history by popularizing the boutique fashion look. Sui’s unique approach to creating narratives through her work is legendary: a self-taught historian of culture, art, and fashion, she samples music, books, exhibitions, movies, time periods, photography, and art movements in her designs.

Over the years, Sui has explored wide-ranging materials and inspirations, including papier-mâché mannequin heads; linens by Vera; Claire McCardell sportswear; army surplus jackets; Japanese hankies; qipao dresses; wood-soled platforms from Goody Two-Shoes; the style of Jane Holzer, Zandra Rhodes, and Anita Pallenberg; and Minnie Mouse. Her collections are replete with references, processed and creatively reimagined through the filter of Anna Sui.

You have to focus on your dreams, even if they go beyond common sense. How could this young girl from the suburbs of Detroit become a success in New York? It was always that dream.
— Anna Sui

Unlike other popular American designers, Sui is driven by telling stories head-to-toe about the worlds of cowgirls, grunge girls, hippie chicks, hula girls, Mods, pirate rock stars, Pre-Raphaelite maidens, and surfer nomads. The exhibition gives insights into her process, allowing the viewer to step inside her imagination and watch it unfold.

The World of Anna Sui features approximately one-hundred looks from the designer’s archive, presenting a roll call of twelve archetypes that are staples of the Sui aesthetic. It also spotlights her heroes as a youth and the importance of her collaborators, including the New York City Garment Center. The first iteration of this exhibition debuted at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London, in the summer of 2017.

The World of Anna Sui was curated by Dennis Nothdruft for the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. It was adapted for MAD by Assistant Curator Barbara Paris Gifford with support from Assistant Manager of Curatorial Affairs Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy.

Supporters

Support for The World of Anna Sui is provided by Russell and Marian Burke, Inter Parfums USA, UOVO: MODA, Albion, Mondottica, Teva, Jeanne Masel, Thomas W. Roush, and The Douglas A. Hirsch and Holly S. Andersen Family Foundation in honor of Jane Holzer.

The exhibition is also made possible by a grant from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

MAD is grateful for the additional support of Oliphant Studio.

Fashion Designer Anna Sui In Conversation with Elle Decor Editor Vanessa Lawrence About Interior Design

In celebration of the new exhibition The World of Anna Sui, Anna will participate in a series of conversations at Museum of Arts and Design with her favorite collaborators and muses.

The first talk will take place October 12th at 4PM. Anna will speak with senior editor of Elle Décor Vanessa Lawrence to discuss how Sui’s designs for fashion are both a part of and an extension of the designer’s world. From her first boutique in SoHo to her Manhattan apartment, Sui’s spaces reflect her love of interior design and wide range of influences.

Upcoming Sui Saturdays

November 2
Anna Sui in conversation with her longtime collaborators, make-up artist and impresario Pat McGrath and legendary hairstylist Garren.

December 7
Anna Sui is joined by her collaborators at Inter Parfums, makers of Anna Sui fragrances, and distinguished perfumer Jérome Epinette.

January 11
Anna Sui in conversation with musician and supermodel Karen Elson.

February 8
Anna Sui in conversation with legendary fashion journalist Tim Blanks, author of the book The World of Anna Sui.

Anna Sui
annasui.com

Museum of Arts and Design
madmuseum.org