Phoenix Art Museum Celebrates Unique Style of International Top Model and Fashion Visionary Tatiana Sorokko
Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style Makes U.S. Debut

Tatiana Sorokko was the first Russian model to achieve international success. 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, among many others. 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. Currently she is a contributing editor of American Harper’s Bazaar interviewing and styling photo shoots of notable subjects all over the world. 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.

Cristobal Balenciaga, “Sari”dress, spring 1964, brocaded lame with bead embroidery. Lent by Tatiana Sorokko. Photo by Ken Howie. ]

Vivienne Westwood, Evening Dress, “Storm in a Teacup”, fall/winter 1996/7, silk chiffon and silk taffeta. Lent by Vivienne Westwood. Photo by Ken Howie.

Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style will showcase works from the early 20th century through today, by legendary designers and fashion houses such as Fortuny, Paquin, Lanvin, Madame Grès, Balmain, Patou, Balenciaga, Ungaro, Hermès, Alaia, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferré, Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, Yamamoto, Halston, Galanos, and Chado Ralph Rucci, among others.

Tatiana Sorokko in Chado Ralph Rucci, 2006. Photo by Sandi Fellman.

“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. “Tatiana’s inborn sense of style and extensive modeling experience shape her selections which transcend current fashion trends. Creating superb garments is in art form, and the same can be said for developing such an intelligent and sophisticated wardrobe. This exhibition is both inspiring and informative.”

Exhibition Details
Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style is presented in the Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery and the Orme Lewis Gallery September 16, 2010 through January 9, 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.

A hard cover catalogue by the same name has been published to accompany the show. It is lavishly illustrated and features essays by Harper’s Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey and essays by exhibition curator Dennita Sewell, distinguished designer Ralph Rucci and internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Marco Glaviano.

About the Phoenix Art Museum Fashion Design Collection
Founded in 1966, Phoenix Art Museum’s fashion design collection is notable for its quality and comprehensiveness and is comprised of more than 5,000 objects of American and European men’s, women’s and children’s dress and accessories dating 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. Phoenix Art Museum is one of only a handful of art museums in the country with a long and continuous active fashion program.

About Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s premier destination for world-class visual arts. Popular international exhibitions are shown along side the Museum’s outstanding collection of more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. A community epicenter for fifty years, Phoenix Art Museum presents festivals, live performances, independent art films and educational programs that enlighten, entertain and stimulate. Visitors also enjoy PhxArtKids an interactive space for children, vibrant photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, the lushly landscaped Sculpture Garden, dining at Arcadia Farms at Phoenix Art Museum, and shopping at The Museum Store.

To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit PhxArt.org.