'Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style' Makes U.S. Debut at Phoenix Art Museum

PHOENIX, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style an inspiring and historically import fashion design exhibition drawn from the private wardrobe and couture collection of international model Tatiana Sorokko makes its U.S. debut Thursday, September 16 at Phoenix Art Museum. Spanning the 20th century through today, the exhibition is an engaging look at works by legendary designers and fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, James Galanos, Ralph Rucci and Vivienne Westwood.  

Tatiana Sorokko was among the first Russian models to achieve international success after Perestroika. Moving from Moscow to Paris in 1990, she walked the runways for major designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein. For over a decade, Sorokko graced the covers and editorial pages of European and American magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Elle and Cosmopolitan.  Her influence as an international style setter and taste maker extends well beyond the runway; Sorokko was named to the International Top 100 Best Dressed list by American Vogue in 2000 and the Best Dressed Women of All Time list by Harper's Bazaar in 2007.

Extending the Runway is a celebration of Sorokko's international fashion career, her trendsetting vision and unique style. The installation encompasses two Museum galleries and features 60 garments and accessories by Balenciaga, Balmain, Comme des Garcons, Fortuny, Ferre, Halston, Hermes, Madame Gres, Patou, Paquin, Ungaro and Yamamoto, among others.

"Tatiana's timeless wardrobe reflects her individual point of view.  She has assembled a contemporary, well-edited couture collection that reflects her dedication to quality, craftsmanship and originality," commented Dennita Sewell, curator of fashion design, Phoenix Art Museum.  

Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style is on view through January 2, 2011.  

Phoenix Art Museum is one of only a handful of art museums in the country with a long and continuously active fashion program. Founded in 1966, the Museum's fashion design collection is notable for its quality and comprehensiveness and is comprised of more than 5,000 objects from the late 17th century to the present.  The Museum organizes three exhibitions a year in the Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery featuring objects from the permanent collection as well as international fashion houses, collectors and museums.  

To learn more, visit PhxArt.org/fashion.

SOURCE Phoenix Art Museum