Inspiring Fashion at the PMA
Inspiring Fashion: Gifts from Designers Honoring Tom Marotta presents a collection of runway styles donated by 17 designers in recognition of the creative legacy of the late fashion visionary Tom Marotta, who was vice president of couture at Saks Fifth Avenue. Obtained through the auspices of Saks Fifth Avenue, the garments are all gifts to the Museum and have become part of the permanent collection.
Designers include Peter Som (that’s the purple one above), Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Burberry Prorsum, Badgley Mischka, Ralph Rucci, Nancy Gonzalez, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Zandra Rhodes, Missoni, Marc Jacobs and Zac Posen.
Neat! And why’s it at the PMA, again?
Tom Marotta (1933-2007) was born and raised in South Philadelphia and spent more than 40 years working in fashion, including many at Philadelphia’s highly regarded Nan Duskin specialty store. He worked in Los Angeles in the late 1950s and early 1960s as road manager for singers such as Fabian and Frankie Avalon; after marrying a Philadelphia native, he returned to his hometown and began his career in fashion. After working in menswear at The Blum Store in Bala Cynwyd, he started work at Nan Duskin, first as a tie buyer, and eventually rising to senior vice president. In 1994 Marotta was hired by the luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue as vice president of couture; responsible for overseeing the buyers of over 50 department stores, he insisted on maintaining Philadelphia as his base.
OK, then! Cool!
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