Welcome to the Couture Pattern Museum, the only dedicated fashion museum on the Central Coast of California, located on the border of the Arts District in Santa Barbara. Nestled at 1525 State Street, our museum offers one of the world’s rarest and most unparalleled collections of haute couture, high-fashion, and old Hollywood costume patterns, with a special focus on the golden age of couture. These patterns serve as artifacts that reveal the lifestyles, values, and aesthetics of their time. We are a participatory heritage museum, inviting our community to explore the collection through exhibitions, educational programs, and member forums. Outside of special exhibitions, we offer private one-on-one visits to explore our current rotating collection. Book your appointment online to experience the museum in an intimate setting or by calling 805-303-4775.

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At the Couture Pattern Museum, we preserve the remarkable "know-how" of haute couture by focusing on historical patterns. To validate the cultural and historical significance of our archive, we showcase both original and reconstructed costumes created by haute couture ateliers, professional seamstresses, Hollywood costume designers, as well as our museum members and students. Many of the patterns in our collection may be the last remaining copies in existence, offering a rare opportunity to study and appreciate the artistry and technical brilliance of couture design and construction.

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We’ve introduced an innovative perspective to fashion conservation by emphasizing the preservation of couture patterns. These blueprints allow garments to be endlessly studied and reimagined. Our members and students bring this concept to life, demonstrating that patterns are not only valuable resources but also central to preserving fashion heritage for future generations.

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Support Us: Small museums like ours are often overlooked and struggle to stay open despite their cultural value. We rely on community support to continue preserving unique collections and stories of craftsmanship and democratization. You can help by becoming a member for just $5 a month, donating to our digitization project through our fiscal sponsor, Creative Visions, or visiting us in person. Your contribution is crucial to preserving fashion history for future generations.