Review: SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
From the outside, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film might get mistaken for a warehouse were it not for the bright letters denoting the building’s name. But the boxy building contains the only museum of its kind in the Southeast. There are 10,000 square feet of elegant, adaptable exhibition space to appropriately showcase various curations and a dedicated film salon. The tightly built exhibitions change several times a year (a recent one included the work of designers Oscar de la Renta, Daniel Lismore, Carolina Herrera, Pierre Cardin, and Guo Pei). Photographic exhibitions include the work of Jonathan Becker, Bill Cunningham, and Omar Victor Diop. Though it’s noteworthy and superlative, a visit will make you feel like an insider discovering something truly special.

Say we're first-timers. What are the staples of the collection?
SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film is niche: if you’re not into fashion or film, this probably won’t be a stop on your Atlanta hit list. However, if you want to see tightly curated fashion collections with a sharp, incisive point of view, and watch films that will spark discussion afterward, this Midtown museum is a must-visit. Because of the Savannah College of Art & Design’s deep and wide relationships with designers and content producers, the museum has access to truly special, dynamic temporary exhibitions, often focusing on the future of fashion with a look toward what’s historical and current.

And for repeat customers—how are the special exhibits set up?
This space is like an elegant blank canvas, adaptable to the type and tone of each visiting exhibition or event. The blonde wood floors and changeable lighting mean that an exhibit could be dark and moody or bright and vibrant. For instance, in Spring 2018 the museum launched an exhibition with Emmy Award-winning designer Ane Crabtree’s austere costumes from The Handmaid’s Tale, complete with bleak backdrops and dramatic lighting to set the tone.

What did you make of the crowd?
Because SCAD FASH is so niche, your fellow visitors are likely to be as obsessed with fashion and culture as you are.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Drop in for a gratis docent-led tour at 1 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, and you’ll get an overview of the collections and special exhibits. It’s a nice opportunity to ask questions and see what you’d like to revisit, though many fashion-lovers prefer self-guided tours at their own pace.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
As you'd hope in a museum dedicated to this subject matter, the museum boutique at SCAD FASH is super stylish. Located in the film salon, it’s worth a visit to pick up coffee table books on past exhibitions, as well as scarves, accessories, jewelry, paper goods, and home decor pieces crafted by SCAD students and alumni.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
The exhibits here are well curated, so if you've got limited time (or are with someone with a short attention span), you can spend an hour strolling through. Or, if you live for fashion and want to examine every stitch on every mannequin, you could spend all day. Check the schedule of visiting exhibits to see what's on and make your plans accordingly.