Timeless & Repurposed

Nancy Johnson’s Iconic Fashion

October 1, 2025 – April 15, 2026

Nancy Johnson incorporated beautiful handwork that she sourced from Asia into fashions that at the height of her business, were sold in over 2500 stores across America and in London. Her fashion firm ran from the mid 1970s to 2000. Johnson was intrigued by the lace and embroidered handwork coming out of Asia and repurposed tablecloths and handkerchiefs on her garments. This exhibition showcases important pieces from her design arc and is the largest collection of her materials in a museum collection.

Johnson became enchanted with embroideries she saw on blouses in Pakistan in 1972, but the pieces were only available via large wholesale quantities. She took on the challenge of selling the pieces once she was home in Los Angeles and a business was born. Without formal business training her learning curve was significant, particularly for a woman in the mid-1970s. Johnson’s fascination with the hand done embroidery and lacework available to her in Asia became the focus of her designs that were welcomed by the young generation that treasured the handmade at the time. These lines became “Sunbow, LTD” and a dress collection became “Moonglow.”

As Johnson’s clients’ lives grew into the workplace, her designs grew with them providing feminine touches on work suits and dresses. The upscale brand “Nancy Johnson” was launched in 1980. Johnson tapped into the desire of women who wanted to look nice and feminine, especially in off hours. Her white blouses with big lace collars became a staple in her clients' wardrobes.