New Work: ‘Geoffrey Beene: Trapeze’

In his 40-year career, the pioneering fashion designer Geoffrey Beene developed a stunning body of work that combined structural and formal innovation with a uniquely American sense of play. Designed by Abbott Miller, Geoffrey Beene: Trapeze is a new exhibition at the Phoenix Museum of Art that presents the designer’s groundbreaking work in a display of over 30 garments from the private collection of Patsy Tarr, who was one of his most avid collectors and champions. Tarr is also Miller’s longtime collaborator on the performing arts journal 2wice, which she publishes. Completing the circle, Miller himself worked closely with Beene over the course of a twelve-year friendship.

Their collaborations included a major retrospective, a monograph of his work and a tribute published by 2wice after his death. For several years Miller also designed publications, graphics and environments for Mr. Beene’s seasonal presentations, which were part exhibition and part theater. The Phoenix exhibition remains on view through March 7, 2010.

A look at Trapeze after the jump.

Miller worked closely with Dennita Sewell, the museum’s fashion design curator, to develop Trapeze, which was inspired by Mr. Beene’s love of the circus. Miller’s design is an homage to Mr. Beene’s ongoing love of geometry, color and graphic patterning. The installation playfully suspends the garments at different heights from the ceiling, creating an animated vista as museum goers approach the gallery. Distinctive mannequin forms designed by Miller and his team member Brian Raby reflect Mr. Beene’s love of anatomy and the important relationship of his clothes to the body. The garments float and cluster over a series of colorful round platforms that feature quotations by Mr. Beene that circle each platform.

Project Team: Abbott Miller, partner-in-charge and designer; Brian Raby, designer.