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Phoenix Art Museum gifted rare collection created by iconic fashionista Geoffrey Beene

Beene was recognized as one of the top designers in the world and helped define women’s fashion in the 1970s and 80s.

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Art Museum was gifted hundreds of dresses and accessories created by iconic New York fashion designer Geoffrey Beene.

Beene, who died in 2004 after a career spanning four decades, was recognized as one of the top designers in the world and helped define women’s fashion in the 1970s and 80s.

His clientele included several first ladies like Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Nancy Reagan. Beene was known for his simple, stylish yet functional designs that could be worn every day.

The museum was given more than 350 pieces of clothing and accessories custom made by Beene in the 1980s and 90s.

“We are very excited to add these Beene garments and accessories from the latter part of the 20th century to the fashion design collection of Phoenix Art Museum,” said Helen Jean, the Museum’s Interim Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design. “With their playful imagery, bold colors, modern silhouettes, and exquisite tailoring, they are iconic examples of Beene’s work and are an extraordinary opportunity to better explore this important American designer.

The donation was given by Patsy Tarr, the president of the 2wice Arts Foundation.

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