For its ambitious, year-long, two-part exhibit  "The Great Designers, Parts One and Two,"  the Museum at FIT went about acquiring some never-before-seen items to add to its already extensive permanent collection of 50,000 garments and accessories. 50 pieces, organized alphabetically by designer, will be displayed per exhibit;  from iconic brands like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy to young, avant-garde designers like Boudicca and Gareth Pugh. Part One, which opened yesterday, runs through May 8, followed shortly by Part Two, opening on May 23. 

"The Great Designers" will also be accompanied by the book The Great Designers: Fashions Hall of Fame from A to Z, highlighting 500 of the museum's masterworks by 100 of the 20th- and 21st-century's most important designers. Publishing in April 2012, the book will include an essay by museum curator Valerie Steele on the history of fashion museums and exhibits,  along with short bios on the 100 designers. Click through the gallery for some of the designs featured and to keep you occupied until you can make your way to the FIT Museum to see them in person. [WWD, FIT]