Hello Beautiful People,
My hubby and I saw a really cool exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum, and the last day to see it is Sunday, September 17th.
Often when you think of fashion exhibitions, you think of women’s fashion – haute couture dresses, free-flowing ballgowns and the like. However with Reigning Men, menswear takes the stage with this exhibition that was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Drawing on its own collection and from generous loans from private collectors, the exhibition examines men’s fashion from 1715 to 2015, featuring more than 150 pieces including zoot suits, military uniforms, and swimming suits. I have always been fascinated by the changes in men’s fashion, I even wrote my masters thesis on the subject. When I heard that this exhibition was coming to the Gateway City, I eagerly anticipated the opportunity to see it.
I had requested for press pictures to include in this review; but I never received them from the Museum. It was awesome that we could take my own photographs, as long as I didn’t use a flash.
Excerpt of Exhibit from the St. Louis Art Museum as you enter.
Trailer about the exhibit
One of my favorites of the exhibit is Oscar Wilde in a smoking jacket. The richness of the velvet looks regal, but comfy; and transcends the time period that he would have worn it.
The exhibit had so much apparel to showcase, I could of stayed there for hours to read the label each label. Do you see the picture below with the traditional Tuxedo jacket with tails and the non-traditional Tuxedo that was donated by Cameron Silver (who sells Halston apparel on QVC) with the tails in the back and in the front where the cummerbund would be. It almost looks like an elaborate apron that would have been worn by a maitre’ d at a restaurant or servant working in an English country manor. To see this garment up close was quite the treat.
These fur coats remind me so much of photographs that I have seen of my grandfather in his sporty car in the 1950s. Wearing fur was seen as a status symbol and showed off your wealth. I can only imagine how heavy it would have been to wear one of these jackets.
Here is another image from the exhibit – is a look at the aristocratic uniforms and clothing of the 18th Century.
My hubby and I enjoyed seeing the many styles of men’s clothing from the last three hundred years. We ended the experience with a selfie.
If you have not had a chance to see the exhibition and you are in the St. Louis area, please stop by the St. Louis Art Museum to see Reigning Men.
The exhibit had a short run and I am glad we were able to see it before it closed. If you are unable to make it, you can also see the virtual exhibition by clicking here or purchase an exhibit catalogue which includes photographs and descriptions of each piece from the exhibition.
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