A new exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum showcases the style of a fashion icon, as well as her life as a pioneer in female advancement.
The contents of Ann Bonfoey Taylor’s closet display a collection of couture clothing compiled throughout the 20th century in the exhibition “Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor.” But more than a style icon and a famed hostess, Taylor lived a life unusual of women at her time.
Taylor was an Olympic skier, a World War II flight instructor, champion tennis player, model, wife, mother and one of the world’s first ski wear designers. She was frequently featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Town & Country for her designs and personal style.
Taylor’s time collecting couture began after she retired from her design business and moved to Colorado with her family. She spent her time competitively skiing, even in her old age. Taylor was known for her outlandish ski outfits down the slopes of Vail, Colo., where her family was among the first people to make the town a premier winter destination.
The exhibit, which opened Feb. 27 and will run through May 29, combines her collection with a short documentary, photographs and letters of her life.
Among the notable designers of Taylor’s collection are Hubert de Givenchy, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Charles James, Madame Grés and Hermés.
Dennita Sewell, Curator of Fashion Design at the Phoenix Art Museum, who began the process of putting together this exhibit in 2008, said this display is open to people of all types.
“Just because it’s a fashion exhibition, people shouldn’t be limited if they don’t think they have a specific fashion interest,” Sewell said.
Sewell said the exhibit has brought in people from all over the Valley, as well as out of state. It has received coverage in the New York Times, Elle and Vogue magazines.
Nonprofit leadership and management senior Arianna Theisen said that initially the Taylor exhibit was not her reason for visiting the Phoenix Art Museum, but it was the exhibit where she spent most of her time when she visited.
Theisen said she encourages all students to see the exhibit, especially female students.
“It’s important to see women who have achieved a lot of success and are multidimensional,” Theisen said. Taylor “really exemplifies having it all, career, family, a jetsetter life and style.
“She was a role model for women,” she said. “Everything she has done and accomplished, it’s admirable.”
Miriam Lippin, who recently graduated from ASU with a degree in sustainability, said she advises anyone who visits the exhibit to choose wisely whom they spend it with.
“Make sure you go with someone who is going to appreciate the art and information you are going to be exposed to,” Lippin said.
The Phoenix Art Museum will host numerous events in conjunction with the exhibition.
Tommy Eggleston Band will give an informal performance called “Feel Snazzy? Get Jazzy!” that was inspired by Taylor’s love of two American musical styles, big band and jazz in the exhibition on April 16 at 2 p.m.
On May 18 at 7 p.m. the museum will host ArtBreak Gallery Talk for Fashion Independent. ArtBreak Gallery Talks are 30-minute casual conversations about the specific objects, themes in the exhibition or Museum’s collection.
Sewell, curator of fashion design, will also give an overview of the exhibition. Sewell will be joined by Vernon Taylor III who will give personal insight into Taylor and her clothes.
Contact the reporter at omakinso@asu.edu
