ARIZONA COSTUME INSTITUTE 

2018 HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

text by Kathryn Brooks   event photo by Darrylee Cohen

Fashion enthusiasts once again will gather for the annual ARIZONA COSTUME INSTITUTE ( ACI ) HOLIDAY LUNCHEON to be held at Phoenix Art Museum on December 3. This fundraising event has become the most coveted ticket in town, filling Cummings Hall to full capacity weeks before the luncheon date. To secure attendance, reservations must be made by November 19.

As guests enter the Museum they we be treated to a display of works from Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Design Collection vault that have been personally selected by ACI Haute Couture Benefactors. The Museum’s Collection is comprised of more than 5,000 American and European garments and accessories, housing important fashions from the 17th century through the present. The Collection includes such notable designers as Adrian, Norman Norell, James Galanos, Geoffrey Beene, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta and Iris Van Herpen.

The event begins with a champagne reception allowing guests to mingle and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a hat designed by Stephen Jones, signed copies of Stephen Jones’ book, a fascinator created by Ruby Farias Designs, an all-inclusive trip to Napa Valley among other luxury fashion items. Attendees then will be escorted into the main hall for a sit-down lunch provided by Santa Barbara Catering. The event will also honor Mary Ellen McKee, the first ever Honorary Luncheon Chair for Arizona Costume Institute.

Following greetings by the Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at Phoenix Art Museum. Dennita Sewell, and Lynne Love, the 2018 chair, the guest speaker, Stephen Jones, will be introduced. Jones, one of the most innovative milliners of our time, has been an industry game changer in the fashion and design world for more than 30 years. He has collaborated with designers from Vivienne Westwood to Claude Montana. Currently collaborating with Thom Browne and Christian Dior, Jones’ hats have been and continue to be an integral component in some of the most memorable runway spectacles of the past quarter-century. His creations have been spotted at this year’s Royal wedding, in exhibitions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and donning the heads of his celebrity clientele.

Jones’ presentation will offer insights into his from his newly released book, Stephen Jones: Souvenirs. Copies of his book will be available for purchase in the Museum bookstore and guests will have the opportunity to participate in a book signing immediately following the luncheon.

Now in its 53rd year, ACI’s mission is to maintain and expand the Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Collection and to promote the Fashion Department through programs and support of the Museum exhibitions. All proceeds of this event will benefit the Museum’s Fashion Collection and educational programs. For more information, visit www.arizonacostumeinstitute.com.

WHEN : December 3, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Phoenix Art Museum

ATTIRE: Stylish Luncheon Attire

CONTACT: www.tickets.phxart.org

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $200, $350, $500 or $1,000. 

TABLE OF TEN: $2,500, $3,500, $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000.