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VIEW FROM THE TOP Professor Carrara conducts a hands-on lesson. continued from page 63 any time (guests can visit the center by appointment). The FRC houses fashion magazines from as far back as 1890, from turn-of-the-century copies of Harper's Bazaar to present-day publications Visionaire and i-D; numerous fabric samples, from polyester to rubber to the newest sustainable fabrics; more than 3,000 books on every facet of fashion, including historical nonfiction books, instruction manuals, "We're an aesthetic collection, but we're also a technical collection. " Gilded leather shoes from Caovilla's Spring 1986 collection designer biographies, fashion sociology books, and über-specific titles like Occupational Costumes of England: Eleventh Century to 1914; and a video section with runway shows, technical tapes, and designer interviews. But the crème de la crème of the FRC is its wardrobe, which holds a meticulously organized collection of contemporary avant-garde garments (with a few well-chosen vintage items). "We want each item to be extraordinary, but it has to be beautifully made and have a great concept," says Carrara of the pieces. Along the racks hang the most innovative works from Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Azzedine Alaïa, Issey Miyake, SAIC alum Gary Graham, and many more. The FRC collection has grown in part because of Carrara's personal relationships and sterling reputation in the fashion world. "My friendships helped me to A vintage hat from 1960, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue organize the best possible collection," she says. It's so stellar, in fact, that the Art Institute is featuring a selection of Japanese avant-garde pieces from the FRC for an upcoming show, Material Translations, which runs from early November 2012 through April 2013. After 25 years, the Fashion Resource Center continues to grow under Carrara's careful guidance. In early 2013 the FRC will host its first sympo- sium, featuring Isabel and Ruben Toledo. In the meantime, Carrara will continue her work as steward of this remarkable institution. "We're an aesthetic collection, but we're also a technical collection. We're very discriminating." MA A lightweight coat designed by Issey Miyake in 2000 A beginning student's sketches FASHION SENSE Gillion Carrara reveals her inspirations. *LOVER OF LITERATURE "It's the speakers that are important to me, not necessarily the topic," she says, citing Richard Martin, Valerie Steele, Caroline Evans, Christopher O'Neill, Harold Koda, and Andrew Bolton as essential fashion authors. *EXERCISE ENTHUSIAST "I'm up early to exercise every day of the week because I love air, the fragrance of it, and light. For 30 years I've been a Pilates student, but I'm a walker, too." *STUDENT OF THE WORLD Carrara is a member of the Costume Society of America, serves on the board of a Florence, Italy-based colloquium, and attends symposiums around the world. 64 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM