The World of Anna Sui

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Anna Sui reinvented fashion and pop culture with her signature rock-and-roll romantic label in the 1990s and has remained an artistic fashion icon ever since. The World of Anna Sui at Cranbrook Art Museum represents the international American fashion designer’s return to the city, a cultural hub of rock and roll, techno, and bold artistic experimentation.   

Featuring over 100 looks from the designer’s archive, The World of Anna Sui celebrates the 12 fashion archetypes that reappear throughout Anna Sui’s storied career: Americana, Androgyny, Fairytale, Grunge, Mod, Hippie/Rockstar, Nomad, Punk, Retro, Schoolgirl, Surfer, and Victorian.   

Beginning with her premiere catwalk show in 1991, Sui has shaped not only the garments, textiles, accessories, cosmetics, and interiors that comprise her universe, but also fashion history by popularizing the boutique fashion look. Through head-to-toe looks, Sui has created a graphic universe inhabited by alter-egos from the worlds of cowgirls, grunge girls, hippie chicks, hula girls, Mods, pirate rock stars, Pre-Raphaelite maidens, and surfer nomads. Her fearless approach to creating narratives through her work is legendary: a self-taught historian of culture, art, and fashion, she samples music, books, exhibitions, movies, time periods, photography, and art movements in her designs. Referencing wide-ranging inspirations—vintage Claire McCardell sportswear, army surplus jackets, Japanese hankies—The World of Anna Sui offers a deep inside look into Sui’s imaginative process and visionary stylish world.