sleeping beauties, reawakening fashion
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, 2024
Another year, another Met Custume Institute Exhibition. This year, the museum designed a sensory experience, with sound, scent, projections, and of course, the over 200 garments preserved as art as the centerpiece. And the “sleeping beauties” displayed flat, too fragile to be ever worn again, even on mannequins.
The theme is, broadly, nature. Floral motifs connect the dresses curated from centuries of fashion. From ethereal to bold to whimsical to starkly modern, the exhibition accomplishes its job of reminding visitors of the stories and heritage and craft in fashion.
The incorporation of technology and AI, and some of the interactive elements were a bit contrived, and the layout meant visitors were paraded through without much ability to linger. And of course the controversy with the Met Gala theme: The Garden of Time, juxtaposed with protests in the streets. An exclusive garden of magical flowers to protect the haves from the reality of the masses beyond. Ironic, on many levels. And perhaps in some way, wilting the magic of the exhibition this year.
Until next year.
see also
2022: an anthology of fashion
2023: loewe craft prize