sophisticated design that defies the noise of trends.

INFINITE DESIGN: The permanent collection

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.

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.

As part of the extended Infinite Design fashion experience, off-site events will include a guided tour of costume design at The La Jolla Playhouse. This tour will  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.

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.

Confirmed Events

In Person FREE

*From Runway to Classroom: Designing a Future Where Everyone Belongs – Insights from Ashley Nell Tipton, Project Runway Winner.

  • Sep 17: 5:45pm-6:15pm
Ashley Tipton
In Person FREE

FROM CONCEPT TO RETAIL: DANTE ROWLEY’S PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS – STRATEGIC INSIGHTS INTO DESIGN, SOURCING AND CURATION

  • Sep 17: 1pm-1:45pm
Dante Rowley
In Person FREE

The Dazzle Lab: Stencil Design and Rhinestone workshop

  • Sep 17: 4pm-5:30pm
Design Forward Alliance at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
In Person FREE

From Pattern to Stitch: Inside Gather Sewing Collective

  • Sep 16: 2:30pm-3pm
Gather Sewing Collective
In Person FREE

Unraveling the Archive: 250 Years of Fashion, History, and Regional Heritage-A Conversation with Dr. Tina Zarpour on preserving Historic Textiles

  • Sep 17: 11am-11:45am
Dr. Tina Zarpour
In Person FREE

San Diego Design Week Opening Reception and Design Forward Lightning Talks

  • Sep 15: 5pm-9pm
In Person FREE

Designing What We Wear Day at MCASD La Jolla

  • Sep 17: 11am-7pm
Design Forward Alliance at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
In Person FREE

Deconstructing Isaac Mizrahi 30 Years Later: Legacy, Evolution, and Rediscovery.

  • Sep 17: 3pm-3:45pm
Presented by Fashion Designer Olga Cecilia Sanchez
In Person FREE

Zandra with a Zed – Documentary exclusive preview

  • Sep 17: 12pm-12:45am
Bridie O’Sullivan – Documentary creator
In Person FREE

The Vision and Creation of Costume Design for Theater– A Look Backstage with the La Jolla Playhouse Costume Department.

  • Sep 15: 2pm-3:30pm
La Jolla Playhouse
In Person $25-$45

Behind The Seams: Fashion Past and Present: An insider’s tour of the San Diego History Center’s historic clothing archive

  • Sep 16: 4pm-5:30pm
San Diego History Center