PHX Reporter

Phoenix Art Museum is set to unveil a major fashion exhibition, "The World of Anna Sui," on April 13, 2025. The exhibition, which will run until September 28, 2025, features over 100 ensembles from the iconic American designer's personal archive and recent collections. It arrives in Phoenix from the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.

Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of Phoenix Art Museum, expressed enthusiasm for the exhibit: “Anna Sui defined a fashion generation, and Phoenix Art Museum is pleased to present The World of Anna Sui—exploring the impact of this extraordinary designer.” He highlighted Sui's influence on '90s fashion trends that continue to inspire today's Gen Z styles.

Raised near Detroit and now based in New York, Anna Sui has been a significant figure in fashion since her first runway show in 1991. Known for blending nostalgia with a rocker aesthetic, she has launched over 80 collections. Her designs have graced models like Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell and have been worn by celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Madonna.

The exhibition showcases twelve archetypes central to Sui's style across garments, accessories, hairstyles, makeup, scent, and sound. A special feature includes looks from her collections between Fall/Winter 2019 and Fall/Winter 2024. Helen Jean, Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion at PhxArt noted: “Anna Sui is a self-taught historian of culture... Visitors to the exhibition will discover how her work samples elements of popular music...”

"The World of Anna Sui" is organized by London's Fashion and Textile Museum with Dennis Nothdruft as curator. Its presentation at Phoenix Art Museum involves collaboration with Helen Jean and Catherine Wise. Admission details are available on phxart.org/visit/.

Anna Sui has received numerous accolades including the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent (1992) and the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). She remains an advocate for New York’s Garment District.