Exhibition review of Phoenix Art Museum’s The Power Of Pink
Currently on display at The Phoenix Art Museum
Recently I was able to visit two exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum. Both featured some of my absolute favorites; the color pink and fashion. The first exhibit, The Power of Pink, visits the use of the color pink throughout fashion history from its earliest incorporations into the wardrobes of fashionable men and women, to its assigned role for the female gender and its latest uses by celebrities strutting the red carpet.
The Power of Pink is curated by Helen Jean, the Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at the Phoenix Art Museum. Helen Jean took over the curatorial role in the museum back in 2019 and brought much experience and knowledge. You can read more about her here.
The Power of Pink is a wonderful collection of gorgeous hues and shades of pink showcased by a variety of fabrics expertly crafted into amazing pieces. Although there is a wide representation of artists and designers, I have chosen to showcase three pieces that the readers of this blog will undoubtedly appreciate.
1960’s acetate taffeta dress- Tina Leser
The Power of Pink is introduced via a grand staircase featuring three show stopping gowns overlooking one of the many museum lobbies. At the top is a gorgeous dress of the most perfect shade of pink and sassiest sleeves designed by Tina Leser.
Tina Leser (December 12, 1910- January 23, 1986) was an American designer known for her sportswear designs. She owned several fashion businesses throughout her life including a specialty store in Honolulu in 1935, a fashion company in New York from 1941-1943, and in Manhattan in 1952. Celebrity clients include Joan Crawford, Joan Fontaine, Paulette Goddard, Audry Hepburn, and Kim Novak.
1950’s evening dress- Sophie Gimbel
”Timeless” is the best way to describe Sophie Gimbel’s evening dress. Incredible beading and elegant lines help this gown stand out from the rest of the stunning pack. Seeing it featured on the cover of the latest fashion magazine or adorning a celeb at any red carpet affair requires no stretch of the imagination.
Sophie Gimbel (1898- November 28, 1981) was an American designer for Salon Moderne of Saks Fifth Avenue. Simplicity, elegance, and use of expensive fabrics are trademarks of her gowns which were designed for her exclusive clientele. Her design career began as a part-time stage costume designer in Philadelphia and later designing for Broadway before culminating as lead fashion designer for Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store.
2019 Grammys suit worn by Post Malone- Catherine Hahn
Making an impression at one of the most important events in the music industry is no easy feat and hiring a great stylist goes a long way. Which brings us to Catherine Hahn’s show stopping suit designed for Post Malone’s 2019 Grammy appearance. The suit made of pink leather with Swarovski crystals and metal studs had no trouble commanding the attention of the cameras and fans alike. Fabulous, absolutely fabulous is the best way to describe it.
Catherine Hahn is an American costume designer and stylist. She started her career assisting the stylist on the TV shows FRIENDS and FREAKS AND GEEKS. Although her career has shifted from TV to music she still retains her costume design mentality. Labeling her a wardrobe stylist is an oversimplification of the collaborative efforts to create wearable works of art for clients like Orville Peck and Post Malone.
If like me you are a lover of all things pink and fashion, stopping by the museum to catch this exhibit is a must. The Power of Pink will be on display at the Phoenix Art Museum until July 2024.