NYC:FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Review: J. Ecochard
Images Courtesy of FIT
The Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology on West 27th Street is the pinnacle of a divine-ness… a mecca for worshippers of rare ancient and deluxe couture garments.
We viewed the latest exhibits and were taken with the displays and informative commentary that accompanied the lot…and highly urge one and all to go. And it’s free.
On the first floor, an engaging review of colorful textiles and garb inspired by globalization-including the exotic and mysterious “other” -began with luscious samples of chinoserie, Kashmir shawls, swags of complex non-Western fabrics, and preciously preserved garments form the 18th and 19th centuries. The Exoticism collection effectively makes the point people dress inventively all over.
The exhibit gracefully ushers viewers ahead to stellar 20th centuries fashion examples like the Algerian born, French icon Yves St. Laurent and Japanese born, Paris dwelling Kenzo…both superb examples of cross-cultural designers who conjured up modern clothes that steered away from stereotypical Euro-centric modes… with great success. There are also excellent outfits of contemporary, ethnically inspired woman’s clothes including a pale brown wool, cozy ensemble from the German born, Antwerp trained Bernard Wilhelm, a wildly beaded confection from Brazil’s exuberant Alexandre Herchcovitch, and a striking silk Mao-ish dress from the widely popular Vivienne Tam. Exoticism brings it all home across the universe.
Open until May, 7 2008
Down a flight of stairs, the timeless elegant creations by Madame Alix Grés (1903-93) are revealed in all their glory. Although acknowledged as one of the great couturiers of the 20th century with her magnificent Grecian inspired draped gowns that donned style arbiters like Nan Kempner, Marlene Dietrich, and Jacqueline Kennedy… the exhibit adds to our knowledge of her beautifully made, hand crafted constructions.
We literally stood in awe of the sublime gowns that were innovatively puffed, molded, draped, and shaped from yards of paper silk taffeta, lean silk jersey and heavy woolen fabrics.
Madame Grés’ creative evolution from sleek silhouetted evening gowns to rarely seen, pure geometrically formed capes and cocktail dresses fashioned with decidedly non-Western polish- make this show a must-see.
Open until April 19th 2008
Review: J. Ecochard
Images Courtesy of FIT
The Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology on West 27th Street is the pinnacle of a divine-ness… a mecca for worshippers of rare ancient and deluxe couture garments.
We viewed the latest exhibits and were taken with the displays and informative commentary that accompanied the lot…and highly urge one and all to go. And it’s free.
On the first floor, an engaging review of colorful textiles and garb inspired by globalization-including the exotic and mysterious “other” -began with luscious samples of chinoserie, Kashmir shawls, swags of complex non-Western fabrics, and preciously preserved garments form the 18th and 19th centuries. The Exoticism collection effectively makes the point people dress inventively all over.
The exhibit gracefully ushers viewers ahead to stellar 20th centuries fashion examples like the Algerian born, French icon Yves St. Laurent and Japanese born, Paris dwelling Kenzo…both superb examples of cross-cultural designers who conjured up modern clothes that steered away from stereotypical Euro-centric modes… with great success. There are also excellent outfits of contemporary, ethnically inspired woman’s clothes including a pale brown wool, cozy ensemble from the German born, Antwerp trained Bernard Wilhelm, a wildly beaded confection from Brazil’s exuberant Alexandre Herchcovitch, and a striking silk Mao-ish dress from the widely popular Vivienne Tam. Exoticism brings it all home across the universe.
Open until May, 7 2008
Down a flight of stairs, the timeless elegant creations by Madame Alix Grés (1903-93) are revealed in all their glory. Although acknowledged as one of the great couturiers of the 20th century with her magnificent Grecian inspired draped gowns that donned style arbiters like Nan Kempner, Marlene Dietrich, and Jacqueline Kennedy… the exhibit adds to our knowledge of her beautifully made, hand crafted constructions.
We literally stood in awe of the sublime gowns that were innovatively puffed, molded, draped, and shaped from yards of paper silk taffeta, lean silk jersey and heavy woolen fabrics.
Madame Grés’ creative evolution from sleek silhouetted evening gowns to rarely seen, pure geometrically formed capes and cocktail dresses fashioned with decidedly non-Western polish- make this show a must-see.
Open until April 19th 2008