The Museum at FIT is renowned for its exhibits dedicated to the art, history, and business of fashion—and its latest opening is certainly no exception. “Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities,” which opens today and runs through April 20, features nearly 200 ready-to-wear pieces and accessories mined from the museum’s permanent collection.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, cabinets of curiosities, a.k.a. wunderkammer in German, historically showcased the incredible collections of elite members of society, many of which inspired designers working in fashion today (think: recurring animal motifs like butterflies and birds, as well as “the history of the cabinets, their links to colonialism, and the connections between curiosity, creativity, and collecting,” according to exhibition notes).
From the “Kunstkammer” cabinet, from left to right: an Alexander McQueen blazer, an Issey Miyake dress, and a Vivienne Westwood corset.
To fully examine the breadth of these cabinets, Dr. Colleen Hill, the Senior Curator of Costume at The Museum at FIT, divided the exhibition into 10 themes. “Specimens” explores an interest in the natural world, including works by Tiffany and Tom Ford; “Aviary” looks at feathers and birds, culminating in a bird cage in the middle of the exhibit; “Anatomical Theatre” examines the human body, taking inspiration from bones, muscles, and limbs; “Artisanship” unpacks the craft of the cabinets; and “Kunstkammer” (translation: chamber of art), features fashion inspired by fine art. “Reflections and Retractions” has works with reflective materials or kaleidoscopic designs, and “Illusions” looks at artistic mirages in fashion. The last two sections of the exhibit feature tangible and interactive elements, with “What Is It?” quizzing visitors on now-retired accessories and their use cases, and “The Senses” inviting them on a journey using sound, touch, and sight.
An accessories tableau, including a hat by Mr. John, a bag by AMBUSH x Masaya Kushino, earrings by Christian Lacroix, a shoe by Sophia Webster, a bag by Lederer, a perfume bottle by Spencer, and a bag by Paloma Picasso.
Brands and designers on display include Alexander McQueen, Bob Mackie, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Christian Dior, Gabriela Hearst, Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and more.