The Louisiana Art and Science Museum’s newest exhibition “The Art of Fashion: Anthony Ryan,” opening Saturday, showcases more than 30 garments created by Anthony Ryan Auld, a Baton Rouge resident and winner of “Project Runway All-Stars.”
Visitors to the exhibit can go behind the runway and see firsthand the creative atmosphere of the fashion industry through the designs by Auld and other “Project Runway” stars.
The exhibition features his much-anticipated fall 2014 collection, “Life in Darkness,” which is built on the concept of black and white. It also includes Auld’s other signature designs.
“My vision for this exhibition is to show the idea of how art and science relate through fashion,” Auld said.
Most people don’t understand the math, scale and time that goes into creating garments, he said. This aspect of the artistry behind the garments is what inspires him.
“At LASM, we are all about art and science,” said Tara Kistler, museum communications coordinator. “We have these three themes: discover, create and connect. This exhibition seems to bring all them together, and it really is a great representation of that,”
Auld travels and participates in fashion weeks around the world, but he got his start in the fashion world after attending the University.
“LSU gave me the technical background I needed,” Auld said, “When I visited LSU, they had the core foundation to see my vision, and I know I’m creative and have a vision but they gave me the tools to accomplish that. “
Auld often receives compliments on his business sense. He this credits to his business minor, which the LSU School of Human Ecology Apparel Design Program students are required to earn.
Auld said he acknowledges those who heightened his success at the University and beyond. Lisa McRoberts, assistant professor of Human Ecology, allowed him to be the designer he wanted to be and made him push himself as a designer.
He also credited the textiles, apparel and merchandising department in the School of Human Ecology for teaching him how to be meticulous and detail-oriented in fashion.
Auld has also overcome challenges. In 2009, he was diagnosed with cancer and then again in 2013 while on the road to success. However, he said this has encouraged him to achieve his goals, one of which was to ensure the success of his exhibition.
“He has been a delight to work with,” said Elizabeth Weinstein, art exhibition curator. “He is a very committed and busy individual. … We have been working in the past year and he has been in and out of town and even had to go under treatment for cancer, but he made it. Despite all the highs and lows of his career going at the same time, he has always been able to provide for us whenever we needed it.”
People who have worked with him closely take notice of his hard work ethic and southern charm.
“Working with Ryan has been great; he is very down to earth and a true southern guy through and through, nothing like you would expect,” Kistler said.
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum exhibition “The Fashion of Art: Anthony Ryan” opens Jan. 18 and will run through March 30.
The exhibit is free to University students and members and $7.25 for nonmembers.
“My vision for this exhibition is to show the idea of how art and science relate through fashion.”

Gallery • 1 Photos

Jesse Guillory

Anthony Ryan Auld, 2009 alumnus, competed on the ninth season of reality show "Project Runway."