On February 27, 2011, Phoenix Art Museum opens the largest exhibition space and the closet of an acclaimed American tastemaker to reveal an extraordinary wardrobe of custom-made, couture and personally designed sporting ensembles. A prestigious acquisition, it is a rich archive of works by the most masterful fashion designers of the 1940s through 1960s including Charles James, Madame Grès, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Fortuny.   On view through May 29, 2011, Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor, is a showcase of Taylor’s wardrobe, style and vision and a comprehensive look at the artistic process of these legendary fashion designers. The exhibit is the result of a 2008 gift to the Museum by Ann Bonfoey Taylor’s son Vernon Taylor, Jr. 

 “The late Ann Bonfoey Taylor was a fashion innovator and an accomplished sportswoman recognized by national fashion publications and an international social circle for her spirited discipline and independence,” commented Dennita Sewell, Curator of Fashion Design, Phoenix Art Museum. “In today’s climate of rapidly changing fashion trends and runway spectacles, Taylor’s achievement of a timeless, original style with classic elegance makes her a true visionary.”

Exhibition Overview

Featuring more than 60 full ensembles including 13 Balenciaga suits and evening gowns; a wide range of apparel from the 1940s and 50s by Charles James; 2 iconic dresses by Fortuny; a large assortment of Givenchy cocktail dresses, coats and accessories and rare, spectacular designs by Madame Grès, Fashion Independent is significant due to the depth and quality of the designs and artists.  Large-scale photographs of Taylor taken by noted fashion photographer Toni Frissell will further enhance this very personal and extremely engaging exhibition.

Raised in Quincy, Illinois, Taylor’s passion for sports and adventure began at an early age.  At six years old her father took her flying in his open, two-seater biplane and later taught her to fly it.  When World War II broke out, she became a flight instructor for Army and Navy pilots.  In the 1930s, she competed in tennis at Wimbledon and began ski racing in Stowe, Vermont, and was selected as an alternate on the Women’s Olympic Ski Team.  Complimented for her stylish look on the ski slopes, she started her own line of innovative skiwear which was sold at Lord and Taylor.

Fashion Independent – Page Two

In 1947, she married Vernon Taylor and they established residence in Denver, Colorado, where they raised a family.  With her love of the outdoors, Taylor developed a passion for horses and annually fox hunted in Virginia and England.  The Taylors also built one of the first ski chalets in Vail, Colorado, and maintained a cattle ranch in Montana where Taylor was known as a gracious and elegant hostess to her worldwide circle of friends. 

Exhibition Details

This exhibition is organized by Phoenix Art Museum and is presented in Steele Gallery February 27 through May 29, 2011.

Admission to the exhibition is included in general museum admission, which is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens (65+), $8 for full-time college students with ID, $4 for children ages 6-17 and free for children under 6 and for museum members. 

Phoenix Art Museum is located in downtown Phoenix at the corner of Central and McDowell Road.  Museum Hours are Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursday thru Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, Noon – 5:00 p.m.  The museum will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays.   Admission is free on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and for everyone on First Fridays, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.