Adrian

Adrian: Hollywood and Beyond explored Gilbert Adrian’s ready-to-wear and costume designs, with a focus on his innovative use of textiles. Organized by graduate students in the Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice program, this exhibition was the first to analyze Adrian’s work within the context of the contemporary fashion and textile design of the mid-twentieth century.

Adrian’s relationships with prominent figures within the textile industry, such as Wesley Simpson and Pola Stout, were integral to his artistic vision. In Adrian: Hollywood and Beyond, these collaborations and other professional associations were explored alongside a selection of garments and textile samples from the permanent collection of The Museum at FIT. Included was an eye-catching gown created from a Wesley Simpson textile and illustrated by artist Salvador Dali. This dress, alongside a selection of garments, textiles, advertisements, and film clips demonstrate how Adrian’s use of printed textiles and creative construction methods made him a master of modern design.