sophisticated design that defies the noise of trends.

The vision

The Fashion track at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego challenges the culture of the disposable. At the core is an exhibition of “The Infinite Design”—singular works by fashion local designers and students engineered to outlive trends and defy the noise of hyper-consumerism. Through a curated sequence of  industry talks and  panels, documentary screenings and design workshops, as well as a pop up market featuring local designers, the track interrogates the friction between the fleeting and the enduring design. It is a deliberate shift toward establishing a visual standard for style that refuses to be obsolete. 

Visitors can engage, inquire, and explore the designs at their own pace, creating a more elegant, contemplative experience that emphasizes fashion as a form of human-centered design and cultural expression. This approach elevates the public’s understanding of Fashion, celebrates the artistry behind each design, and positions San Diego as a hub for innovative, thoughtful design experiences.

The exhibition will be an all-day event. Attendees will gain insight into the impact of fashion beyond aesthetics, understanding its role in cultural expression, economic influence, and the evolution of fashion and jewelry design, making the day both engaging and educational.

INFINITE DESIGN” – THE PERMANENT COLLECTION: ELEVATED. SINGULAR. DEFINITIVE.

The Fashion track at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego invites design proposals that transcend the cycle of disposable trends. We are seeking one-of-a-kind, singular creations developed for a multi-seasonal existence.

Submissions should embody a sophisticated design language that defies the noise of hyper-consumerism. We prioritize deliberate, high-fashion proposals—pieces intended to be worn and valued as a permanent fixture of style.

Off-Site Events

As part of the extended Fashion experience, off-site events will include guided tours of costume design. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how professional costume designers translate narrative, character, and theatrical vision into clothing and accessories, connecting live performance design with the principles showcased in the exhibition. Visitors will gain insight into the creative process, craftsmanship, and storytelling techniques that inform both stage and fashion design, enriching their understanding of design as a dynamic, interdisciplinary practice.

Another immersive visit will be to the San Diego History Center, home to one of the West Coast’s most significant historic clothing and textile collections, with more than 7,000 garments and textiles documenting dress from the late 18th century to the present. This visit offers attendees a unique opportunity to see historic fashion artifacts up close and learn how clothing has reflected cultural change, societal values, and design evolution over time, deepening their understanding of fashion’s historical impact.

Free. On Purpose.

Every session is free because access to professional development shouldn’t be a luxury. Design Week is a common table — come as you are, bring what you know.