Fashion Innovation at Your Finger Tips

As one of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s distinguished SAIC’s special collections, the Fashion Resource Center (FRC) maintains a unique hands-on collection of late 20th- and 21st-century designer garments and accessories representative of extreme innovation.

Its singular nature is defined not only by the visitor's ability to handle the apparel but also by the extensive visual, print, and fabric reference collection that support and illuminate the garments and the study of attire. These elements combine to provide students and guests with a creative and educational environment in which to explore the most progressive achievements in the world of dress and fashion.

Housed in the FRC's noncirculating research setting are 2,200 fashion publications, scholarly texts, and contemporary designer biographies and interviews. To encourage an understanding of various designers' intentions, the collection includes more than 300 garments and accessories for examination, with special emphasis on advances in design and construction. Also available for viewing is an expanding collection of 300 videos of ready-to-wear and couture runway presentations, menswear shows, interview videos, annual student fashion shows, fashion history, and technical instruction.

Rare books are shelved along side up-to-the moment publications on dress and exhibition and more than 20 current fashion and lifestyle magazine subscriptions. The extended FRC includes vintage magazines from the 1890's to the present, foundation garments, 19th century lingerie, uniforms, and occupational dress. In addition to these resources, dictionaries, encyclopedias, CDs, cassettes, look books, articles, and a collection of new materials and vintage fabrics are available for study.

Tour the Fashion Resource Center

In addition to use by SAIC faculty, students, and staff, the FRC is open for public visits, organization meetings, and group retreats or events by advance appointments. Tours include an introduction to the collection and for "Tailor Made" projects are followed by a specific discussion topic of your choice such as the origins of Japanese avant garde, the lines of postmodern designs, artists who consider dress as metaphor, or techniques of construction. We will also select relevant garments and an array of supporting materials for your examination.

One to one-and-a-half-hour tour, limited to no more than 12 guests. A donation is required for these special presentations.

Schedule Your Tour Today!

For an appointment and to make group arrangements for a tour or "Tailor Made" presentation, please contact the Fashion Resource Center at 312.629.6730 or frc@saic.edu for an appointment.