Fairy Tale Fashion opens at Museum of FIT on January 15

By

Dani Greene

Published
Jan 13, 2016

Opening on January 15, Fairy Tale Fashion elaborates on the conversation between fairy tales and high fashion. Associate curator Colleen Hill assembled over 80 objects and embedded them in fantastical settings designed by architect Kim Ackert. Fairy Tale Fashion illustrates 15 classic fairy tales via fashion a within four archetypal scenes: the forest, the castle, the sea and the idea of parallel worlds.

“Little Red Riding Hood” is referenced by a fall 2014 Comme des Garçons cloak with an exaggerated red patent leather hood in the forest scene. The castle scene houses fashion with nods to “The Snow Queen,” “Cinderella” and “Beauty and the Beast,” among others. The sea features a 1987 Thierry Mugler ensemble with a fishtail skirt and bustier parallels “The Little Mermaid.” And parallel worlds focuses on “The Wizard of Oz” (ruby slippers) and “Alice in Wonderland” with fashion by Manish Arora and other whimsical, playful designers.

Other designers featured include Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Walter van Beirendonck, Thom Brown, Rick Owens, Marchesa, Mary Katrantzou, Dolce & Gabbana, Giles, Prada, Tierry Mugler and Tom Ford. In addition to designer heavyweights, the exhibition features large-scale photographs from renowned costumer Kirsty Mitchell’s Wonderland series.

The Museum at FIT is one of a handful of specialized global fashion museums, including the Muse de la Mode, the Mode Museum, and the Museo de la Moda. Established in 1969, its mission has been to advance knowledge of fashion through exhibitions, programs and publications. Dr. Valerie Steele has been director of the Museum since 2003 and chief curator since 1997.

The exhibit will be on display through April 16, 2016.