Exhibitions
 Norman Norell, dress, red wool crepe and satin, 1962, USA, gift of Claudia Halley. |
RetroSpective Fashion and Textile History Gallery May 22 - November 16, 2013 RetroSpective explores fashion’s relationship with its own history. The speed of the fashion cycle is faster than ever, and yet, in the constant drive for newness, the past is often used as a point of reference. Many contemporary designers embrace looking back at fashion history as a fundamental part of the design process. In doing so, they create inventive and modern re-interpretations of everything from crinolines to “flapper” dresses. As cutting-edge designer Yohji Yamamoto once said, “Going to the future means you have to use your past.” Featuring more than 100 garments, accessories, and textiles from the Museum’s permanent collection, RetroSpective begins with a selection of fashions that references historical periods prior to the eighteenth century, including a 1981 gold lamé ensemble by Zandra Rhodes and a 1999 painted silk chiffon gown by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Couture, both of which draw inspiration from sixteenth-century England. The remainder of the exhibition showcases groupings of period fashions—from 18th century to grunge—and their more recent revivals. |
| Curated by Jennifer Farley, the exhibition also includes work by innovative designers such as Norman Norell, Yves Saint Laurent, Anna Sui, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, Walter Van Beirendonck, and artist Cat Chow. Visit the exhibition page for more info and images. |
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