Hello Beautiful people,
When you think of visiting art museum exhibitions, do you think of seeing fashion exhibitions? For some people, maybe not. But for me, I believe an art museum is an ideal place to view these types of exhibitions. And the Philadelphia Museum of Art has done an excellent job of creating exhibitions that show fashion as art. Fashion design is an art form in itself, and when I see a gallery full of dresses and other clothing pieces, it excites me. I could spend hours looking at all the details in the items and to see what makes them so special.
I recently received an invitation to a preview of the latest fashion exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now.
The exhibit is comprised of designer pieces that are a part of its costume and textile collection. I believe that it is so fascinating when a museum has all of these treasures in its collections to create an exhibition for the the public to see. I get all excited when fashion designer exhibits are available because it gives the visitor an opportunity to see priceless, one-of-a-kind pieces. I look closely at the craftsmanship of the construction, at the fabric and how the piece is fitted.
Designed by Christian Dior. Woman’s Dress: Bodice and Skirt, Spring 1948. Silk satin and embroidery. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Dora Donner Ide in memory of John Jay Ide, 1967.
According to the Museum’s website, the visitor will “experience the drama and glamour of some of the most creative feminine fashions ever designed, from romantic ball gowns to audacious contemporary ensembles, and everything in between. See how designers have used color and pattern, shape and volume, draping, metallics, and embellishments to continually reinvent the art form. The pieces in the exhibition—daywear, bridal wear, and more—showcase the Museum’s outstanding costume collection. Many are on view for the first time.”
Designed by Issey Miyake. Woman’s “Flying Saucer” Dress, Spring/Summer 1994. Heat-set polyester plain weave. Gift of Issey Miyake, 1997.
The exhibit focuses on fashion as an art form, and is arranged thematically to explore designers’ creative use of color and pattern, shape and volume, draping, metallics, bridal traditions and innovations, and exquisite embellishments. The works will be grouped together to offer striking visual comparisons and demonstrate the relentlessly creative spirit of fashion.
Designed by Geoffrey Beene Woman’s “Mercury” Evening Dress Fall/Winter 1994-1995 Lamé velvet of metallic pile and acrylic twill ground. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Geoffrey Beene, 1997.
Kristina Haugland, the Le Vine Associate Curator of Costume and Textiles and Supervising Curator for the Study Room, who organized Fabulous Fashion, said; “With so many wonderful examples in the Museum’s collection, the works on view have been selected to complement one another and encourage visitors to make connections between different eras, approaches, and aesthetics.”
This exhibit will appeal to many people because no matter the age; the different styles that span from 1947 to now will resonate with you.
Designed by Vicky Tiel. Woman’s Dress, 1989. Synthetic lamé. Worn by Mrs. Martin Field, 1989. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Martin Field, 2014.
Designer, Vicky Tiel, whom some say is the creator of the mini-dress, has this metallic stunner on display. In my own collection, I have a scarf and perfume by Ms. Tiel, who has a collection of scarfs and perfume on HSN.com. Her book is on my to-read list for the Fall.
Ellsworth Kelly, Reinterpretation of a Woman’s Dress, designed in 1952; 2013. Cotton, nylon, and spandex blend double weave. Size: 4. Gift of the artist, 2015. Object Rights Type: Licensed with Restrictions. Copyright: © Ellsworth Kelly, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery.
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Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday open until 8:45 p.m.
Closed Monday except some holidays
Designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga. Woman’s Evening Ensemble: Dress, Overdress, Bustle, and Petticoat, Spring 1951. Waist: 24 inches. Black silk organza, white cotton piqué, black silk. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of John Wanamaker, 1951.
If you live in the Philadelphia area, or plan to visit the area, this exhibit is a must see. It looks like it would be worth a special trip even if you are not planning to be there.
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