The MFA holds one of the most important collections of historic footwear in the United States. From ancient Egyptian and Nubian sandals to new acquisitions representing the best in contemporary design, it provides a rich source for exploring the shoe and its cultural significance.

This exhibition brings together the latest designs from 10 of the most influential and creative fashion designers of our time. Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006 will feature luxurious and provocative clothing seen on Paris runways in 2006 with designs by Azzedine Ala¿a, Hussein Chalayan, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Maison Martin Margiela, Rochas, Valentino, Viktor & Rolf, and Yohji Yamamoto.

Artist Michael Mazur has generously donated his archive of editioned prints to the MFA. This collection spans nearly five decades and includes some 400 works executed in a great diversity of printmaking media and styles from expressive figuration to lyrical abstraction. Among his primary sources of inspiration are the human figure and landscape.

Encompassing works of art in a variety of media, this exhibition will feature about 120 highlights from the distinguished collection of Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick of California. Since 1985, the Wornicks have assembled a major collection of contemporary decorative arts, primarily by American artists, but also including European, Australian and Asian artists.

Scott M. Black, a long-term supporter of the MFA, is a collector of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings and sculpture.