Join iconic fashion designer Anna Sui in conversation with the Museums Head of Exhibition Dennis Nothdruft as they delve into the influences behind some of her most seminal collections.
Inspired by the Museums current exhibition Costume Couture, Anna will share her love of British period dramas and discuss how these productions have provided rich sources of inspiration through her career.
This talk, along with the accompanying book The Nineties X Anna Sui goes in depth into her raucous shows and the many inspirations for her clothes that were the epicentre of the fashion world. A self-taught historian of culture, art, and fashion, Sui samples music, books, movies, photography, and art in her designs. From the iconic slip dresses donned by the it girls of the moment, like Winona Ryder and pop icon Madonna, to the baby-doll dresses favoured by Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, the book details the defining moments and trends of the era, ranging from the rebellious energy of punk, grunge, and rock, to the ethos behind her preppy and vintage-inspired designs.
The event will be followed by a book signing, The Nineties X Anna Sui published by Rizzoli will be available to buy on the day or in advance via our online shop.
BOOK TICKETS BUY THE BOOKImage Credit: Anna Sui – Portrait by Miguel Flores-Vianna
About the speakers
ANNA SUI premiered her first runway show in 1991, and since then has grown from ready-to-wear to include accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances. As an independent, female-run brand, she has cemented herself as one of the most beloved and accomplished fashion designers.
Born in Detroit, the career of Anna Sui is a classic American success story. Sui has received numerous awards, including the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent (1992) & the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). She has published two books, ANNA SUI by Andrew Bolton (2010) and THE WORLD OF ANNA SUI by Tim Blanks (2017) and opened “The World of Anna Sui” museum exhibition in London which has travelled to Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Ft. Lauderdale, Charlotte and most recently in Phoenix. A passionate advocate for New York’s Garment District, Sui has located her business and produced fashion lines in New York City for the past forty years.
Dennis Nothdruft is Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum. He has led the exhibitions team at the Museum since it was founded by Zandra Rhodes in 2003 and previously spent many years working as a design assistant in Zandra Rhodes studios in both San Diego and London. He has lectured widely on many aspects of fashion and textiles and has authored several books including Zandra Rhodes 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion, How to Draw like a Fashion Designer, How to Draw Vintage Fashion, Kaffe Fassett the Artist’s Eye and A History of Fashion for Children.
infoInfo
Confirmation email: Once you have made a booking, you will receive a confirmation email detailing all the information you will need prior to your event, this is your event ticket. You will also receive a reminder email one week prior to your event.
Event details: Please check your confirmation email for the start and finish times of your event. Upon entry, please present your ticket(s) on your device or a note of your booking reference number. Exhibition entry is included in your ticket, you are welcome to view the exhibition before or after the event.
Eating and drinking: No food or drink is permitted in the Museum, other than bottled water. The Fashion and Textile Museum is located in the heart of Bermondsey Street, surrounded by award-winning restaurants, cafes and pubs. So, if you would like to enjoy a meal or a drink before or after your visit, there is plenty to choose from.For more information, check out our plan your visit page or our FAQs.