Fashioning Surprise: Cupboards of Curiosity, the most recent exhibition at The Museum at FIT, gives the primary in-depth exploration of the fascinating connections between vogue and cupboards of curiosity. Wunderkammern, or “cabinets of curiosities,” emerged within the sixteenth century as precursors to trendy museums, gathering uncommon and intriguing artifacts from around the globe. These collections typically included textiles and vogue, demonstrating the worldwide affect of fashion and craftsmanship. Fashioning Surprise examines this legacy, presenting vogue by means of the lens of curiosity, amassing, and creativity.
The items on view, lots of that are being displayed for the primary time, mirror the rarity, magnificence, and originality of objects present in these early collections. That includes greater than 200 clothes and equipment largely from the museum’s in depth assortment, Fashioning Surprise showcases designers comparable to Dior, Schiaparelli, Pucci, and Vivienne Westwood, amongst many others.
Curated by MFIT Curator Dr. Colleen Hill, the exhibition is organized into 10 thematic sections:
Specimens illustrates vogue impressed by pure historical past, together with a 2013 Tom Ford robe intricately beaded in a zebra sample with a horsehair “mane.”
Tom Ford, sequined and beaded zebra-print costume with horsehair “mane,” fall 2013. Reward of the Property of Pleasure Venturini Bianchi.
A hanging central birdcage shows feathered objects in Aviary, comparable to a desk vividly adorned with feathers by Invoice Cunningham, on view for the primary time.
Designs influenced by the human type seem in Anatomical Theatre, together with a 2013 Arzu Kaprol costume made out of metallic leather-based with a cut-out skeletal design.
A celebration of superb craftsmanship, Artisanship options miniature vogue objects and historic dressmaking instruments that may be admired for his or her intricate handicraft.
Kunstkammer (“Chamber of Art”) fuses superb artwork and vogue, together with a 2018 Comme des Garçons costume printed with the 1591 portray “Vertumnus” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo.
Impressed by Seventeenth-century work, Vanitas explores themes of mortality and luxurious, together with a pair of Sophia Webster’s elegant butterfly footwear, representing the fragility of life.
Sophia Webster, Chiara sandals with multicolor embroidery and painted by hand heels, 2019. Reward of Sophia Webster.
Reflections and Refractions includes objects embellished with shimmering supplies, comparable to a 1996 costume by CD Greene, designed for Tina Turner, with rhinestones and mirrors.
Illusions encompasses a 1955 costume by Pucci, made out of the label’s impressively convincing “visone” (mink) printed silk, full with “tails” edging the skirt hem.
The final sections are meant for viewers interplay, an vital facet of experiencing the early cupboards of curiosities. In What Is It? guests are inspired to interact with historic vogue objects, check their information, and expertise the sounds and building of choose items.
Lastly, The Senses features a touchable duplicate of a c. 1948 Molyneux costume (made by Katherine Shark, a graduate scholar in FIT’s MA Vogue and Textile Research program), proven alongside the unique object.
The exhibition is on view at The Museum at FIT in New York Metropolis by means of April 20.
To be taught extra, go to fitnyc.edu/museum.
Christian Dior, leopard fur coat, early Nineteen Sixties. Reward of Mrs. Sylvia Slifka. Background picture: Ole Worm, “Ole Worm’s Cabinet of Wonder: Natural Specimens and Wondrous Monsters” (1655)
Mary Katrantzou, printed, embroidered, and beaded costume with internet overlay, spring 2019. Museum buy.