WAM! Wearable Art Museum curates sustainable debut fashion shows at Paris Opera House
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Photos courtesy of Lisa Berman
Laguna Beach resident Lisa Berman, founder and executive director of WAM
The Wearable Art Museum (WAM), a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to elevating fashion as museum-level art, will participate during Paris Fashion Week on March 3, in two debut fashion shows staged at the iconic Paris Opera House – one of the world’s most prestigious cultural landmarks. Both shows spotlight sustainability, craftsmanship and fashion as cultural storytelling, styling and curated through a museum lens by Lisa M. Berman, founder and executive director of WAM. This marks a rare moment in which a museum director is curating the final accessorized runway collections, positioning fashion not merely as collectible commerce, but as wearable art. Nine-year-old Max Alexander, who is from California, has trusted Berman, a Laguna Beah resident, to style his looks previously; they worked together in NYC and Miami for Swim Week.
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Max Alexander, the 9-year-old fashion designer recognized by Guinness World Records, is set to showcase his latest collection in Paris on March 3, at the Palais Garnier
His first design to be collected by an institution, iconic TIE dress is now in the collection of WAM. This fan-favorite was also presented in the exhibition Fashioning Power Fashioning Peace in Washington D.C. when Berman curated the opportunity for Alexander to represent the United States.
A historic moment for fashion as art, this marks a defining moment where sustainability, museum curation and human perseverance converge on one of the world’s most revered stages – affirming WAM’s mission to present fashion as a powerful cultural force. Just off the plane from the pre-event walkthrough, Tracy Murray of Moda Int’l, stated, “The venue is absolutely spectacular! It is truly iconic. If you’re here, you’ve made it. This is a big leap of faith to pull this off. There will not be another chance to make fashion history.”
The exclusive debut collections will be presented in separate shows by Alexander and another by Niki Khojandi. Both emphasize environmentally conscious practices, intentional production and ethical design – demonstrating how sustainability can coexist with luxury, innovation and global relevance. Alexander holds the Guiness Book of World Record for Youngest Runway Fashion Designer and is the ambassador for the Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation’s Stitching Dreams. WAM’s curatorial approach frames each look within a narrative of materials, process, heritage and environmental responsibility, reinforcing fashion’s role in shaping cultural and ecological dialogue. Select, award-winning international artists will create bespoke jewelry and accessory pieces for each look and will be for sale to support the museum.
The production of Niki Khojandi’s debut show, a fashion student at Parsons in NYC, stands as a powerful example of artistic resilience. Described by WAM as an “Athenian task,” the collection was created entirely by hand in the designer’s bedroom studio in Tehran using her only mannequin (size 6), and realized under extraordinary conditions, including no internet / phone access, intermittent electricity, and the complexities of international travel and visa procurement. To maintain couture fashion show standards, Moda Production required her to re-scale the entire collection to the couture size 2.
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“This is artistry created against the odds. It reflects the very purpose of museums: To preserve, protect and elevate creative expression born under extraordinary circumstances,” said Berman.
Paris Fashion Week presented by Moda Fashion of Paris is projected to reach:
–2,600+ physical guests across show day(s)
–1,200+ VIP attendees, including press, buyers and cultural leaders
–5M+ press readership
–50M+ social media impressions
–2-4M digital views via Moda Productions and designer social platforms
–Press distribution to 1,000+ global media outlets
–1,000+ includes 200 VIP MAX ALEXANDER gift bags by premium brand partners
Sponsorship & Funding Opportunity – Only one day left
WAM is currently securing final sponsorship and funding commitments to support participation in this historic event at the Paris Opera House.
WAM in Paris with Max Alexander = $50,000
WAM! in Paris with Niki Khojandi = $50,000
Sponsorship commitments are due January 31.
Front row ticket! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of fashion history, seated withthe biggest names in fashion, including Vogue. There are only 200 VIP seats and one lucky WAM! This fan will be granted unparalleled access to this landmark Paris Fashion Week moment. Note: The winner will be photographed (often).
Starting bid $5,000 (buy it now $10k). Ends January 31. Register on the WAM website at https://www.wearableartmuseum.org, or contact Lisa Berman at director@wearableartmuseum.org, or 310.403.0531.
