Among the many architecture and design objects in Found in Translation: Design in California and Mexico, 1915–1985 there are two circle skirts that may have caught your eye. These are on loan from Leigh Wishner, a former staff member in LACMA's Costume and Textiles department (now the museum coordinator for FIDM Museum & Galleries) and an avid collector of 1950s clothing. Leigh says she approaches her large collection as a living collection, wearing items frequently while taking care of them properly. Tourists purchased skirts like the ones in Leigh's collection as souvenirs from Mexico, often selecting patterns with pre-Hispanic or folk imagery as special reminders of their travels. The style was popular in California as well, and examples by both Mexican and Californian designers were sold in and around Los Angeles. Learn more about what drew Leigh to these skirts, how they ended up in the exhibition, and watch to the end to see a circle skirt in action!

Found in Translation: Design in California and Mexico, 1915–1985 is on view through April 1 in the Resnick Pavilion.