Ed Ruscha, a leading figure in Southern California pop art, collaborated with Dior's Jonathan Anderson for a special menswear and womenswear cruise show at LACMA on Wednesday night.
Art Meets Fashion at LACMA
The event, held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, attracted a mix of Hollywood celebrities and art-world luminaries. Among the 900 attendees were Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, and Al Pacino. Sterling Ruby, Lauren Halsey, and Larry Gagosian were also present, mingling with guests as the golden light faded over a Hollywood backlot-themed set.
Ruscha, who is not typically seen at fashion shows, attended and even contributed to the event by designing button-up shirts for the show. These shirts featured his signature word art, adding a unique touch to the collection.
A Break from Tradition
Jonathan Anderson's show marked the first time Dior combined menswear and womenswear on the runway for a cruise collection. Anderson, known for his work with artists, integrated Ruscha's art into his designs. The shirts, embroidered with phrases like “We the people” and “Says I, To Myself Says I,” were inspired by Ruscha's notable artworks.
Anderson shared that working with Ruscha was a long-held ambition. “For me, Ed is LA,” Anderson said. He recounted how both he and Dior CEO Delphine Arnault had tried to collaborate with the artist for years before finally succeeding.
Ruscha's Artistic Influence
The shirts were more than just a fashion statement; they were a testament to Ruscha's influence in the art world. Anderson provided shirt dimensions, but Ruscha handled the design, choosing fabrics and details to create what Anderson described as “American icons of men's shirting.”
Ruscha himself wore one of his designs to LACMA's opening gala, further cementing his role in this artistic collaboration. Anderson praised him as a style icon, expressing admiration for Ruscha's timeless appeal.
Conclusion
As the show concluded, Anderson took a bow in one of Ruscha's plaid poker shirts, highlighting the collaboration's success. Ruscha, alongside Pacino, received congratulations from attendees. Reflecting on the experience, Ruscha remarked, “Well, I’ve never done anything like that before!”
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/dior-cruise-2026-los-angeles
