Curated by Colleen Hill, this remarkable showcase unveils nearly 80 fashion pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, with renowned designers like Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, and Vivienne Westwood taking center stage. Explore the profound impact of statement sleeves and the transformative power they hold.
Themed sections guide visitors through the exhibition, starting with «Fundamental Forms,» introducing common sleeve shapes like bell, bishop, and raglan, highlighted in black fabric exhibits. «Opening Statements» delves into decades defined by elaborate sleeves, from the 1890s and 1930s to the bold styles of the 1980s.
«Puffs and Folds» ventures into innovative sleeve shapes, featuring a 1920s silk evening set by Milgrim with straight sleeves inset with vibrant puffs. Transitioning seamlessly, «Pleats and Ruffles» presents a 1960s mini-dress by Rudi Gernreich, showcasing full-length sleeves adorned with tiers of ruffles.
«Embellishment and Adornment» explores eye-catching styles, including a 1968 Dior couture dress embroidered with feathers, sequins, and beads. «Performance and Purpose» shifts focus to the functionality of sleeves, spotlighting a late 19th-century coat restricting arm movement and contemporary designs by Lucy Jones for wheelchair users.
«Sheer and Split» unveils the elegance of sleeves, featuring a circa 1830 gown with sheer chiffon-puffed sleeves and a spring 2011 Louis Vuitton ensemble by Marc Jacobs with full sleeves split and gathered into a cuff.
The exhibition culminates in «Asymmetrical and Mismatched,» showcasing playful designs like Stephen Burrows’ colorful creations with contrasting sleeves and Christian Francis Roth’s fall 1990 collection featuring a suit with a sleeve adorned with the word ‘Rothola.’
Don’t miss the chance to explore the role of sleeves as a mode of self-expression, indicators of status, and timeless fashion statements. «Statement Sleeves» promises a journey through fashion history, running until August 25, 2024. Plan your visit today.
