The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion @ The MET thru August 2nd, 2009 (Click here for more information).
“The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” may sound like a purely fashion exhibit, but don’t be fooled, this show actually bridges photography, high fashion and the evolution of the supermodel throughout history, starting as early as the 1920s and ending with modern day advertising. The exhibit takes you from decade to decade, highlighting the styles and tastemakers in both modeling and art, placing photography and fashion side by side.
You walk by William Claxton’s iconic image of Peggy Moffitt in a Rudi Geunreich swimsuit from 1964 and then, directly next to it, you see the actual suit she was photographed in fit on a mannequin and encased like an ancient statue, a work of art in itself . The show allows you to truly see the models, photographers and designers who have transcended the ages, as well as the birth and, some may say, the death of the “supermodel.”
In the 1960’s-70’s the supermodel came to life and was thrust into the spotlight by photographers such as Gilles Bensimon and Peter Lindbergh. These photographers captured the likes of a young Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, draped in the lead designers of the time, including Armani, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren. You drift through this exhibition, and evolution of fashion, into the age of Grunge and the “Anti Model.” Picture Kate Moss and Alek Wek dressed in Anna Sui and photographed by the likes of Helmut Newton, Jurgen Teller, Steven Klein and Patrick Demarchelier.
Each era not only highlights the fashion and photography of the time, but also the music. As you flow from room to room the music transforms with the art. And, fittingly, the show ends with Advertising. The ads are displayed in the pages of magazines where you see famous campaigns by Versace, Fendi, Helmut Lang and Louis Vuitton and each is accompanied by the designers’ original pieces.
I highly recommend this “experience.” And if you go, make sure to check out the movie “Qui Etes-Vous, Polly Maggoo (Who are you, Polly Maggoo)” which documents the life of a Vogue cover girl. Also be sure to peruse the gift shop who’s walls are plastered with model comp cards from most of the “IT” girls, including Gisele and Naomi Campbell (as if they need them!).
Enjoy the show!!
