The Museum at FIT is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated debut of its newest exhibition, “Statement Sleeves,” set to open its doors on January 24. This extraordinary exhibition, curated by the esteemed Colleen Hill, the museum’s curator of Costume and Accessories, will unveil a stunning collection of nearly 80 fashion pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. What makes this exhibition even more thrilling is that the majority of these pieces will be showcased to the public for the very first time. Renowned designers like Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, and Vivienne Westwood are just a few of the names featured in this unparalleled collection.
The exhibition is ingeniously organized thematically, aiming to accentuate the influential role that sleeves have played as a powerful form of self-expression throughout fashion history. Through a mesmerizing display, it will delve into how sleeves serve as a reflection of gestures, movements, and the particular fashion eras they belong to. Moreover, it will emphasize the significance of sleeves as indicators of status, taste, and personality.
The exhibition begins with a captivating section aptly titled “Fundamental Forms,” which serves as an intriguing introduction to common sleeve shapes such as the bell, bishop, and raglan. Exhibits within this section are presented in black fabric, enabling visitors to focus solely on examining the shape of the sleeve with utmost precision.
Moving forward, “Opening Statements” takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through decades characterized by elaborate and eye-catching sleeves. Showcasing trends from the 1890s, 1930s, and the 1980s, this section epitomizes the artistry behind statement sleeves. For instance, a magnificent 1980 dress by Madame Grès, featuring oversized draped sleeves, is exhibited alongside a spring 2022 dress by LaQuan Smith, effortlessly combining draping and puffed sleeves to create a strikingly contemporary silhouette.
Continuing the exploration, “Puffs and Folds” expertly showcases innovative sleeve shapes. The exhibition boasts a remarkable 1920s brown silk evening set by Milgrim, where straight sleeves are intricately inset with puffs of red patterned fabric. This seamlessly transitions into “Pleats and Ruffles,” an inspiring section that displays a captivating 1960s black mini-dress by Rudi Gernreich. The dress features full-length sleeves made from tiers of ruffles, embodying the allure and charm of the era.
In the section titled “Embellishment and Adornment,” visitors will witness visually captivating styles that push the boundaries of creativity. Notably, a fall 1968 couture dress by Marc Bohan for Dior steals the spotlight with stunning sleeves embroidered with feathers, sequins, and beads. Simultaneously, “Performance and Purpose” delves into the functional and adaptable aspects of sleeves. This section showcases a remarkable late 19th-century coat designed to restrict arm movement, alongside contemporary designs by Lucy Jones specifically catering to wheelchair users.
The exhibition proceeds to enthrall visitors with “Sheer and Split” sleeves. Guests will be captivated by a circa 1830 gown adorned with short, puffed sleeves enveloped in sheer chiffon. Adding a modern touch, a spring 2011 ensemble by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton graces the exhibit, featuring full sleeves expertly split down the length and gathered into a cuff.
Finally, the exhibition concludes with the enchanting section “Asymmetrical and Mismatched,” introducing playful designs that challenge conventional norms. A collection of Stephen Burrows’ vibrant creations showcases contrasting sleeves, whilst Christian Francis Roth’s fall 1990 collection astonishes with a suit featuring a sleeve made from green wool embellished with the word ‘Rothola’.
The truly immersive “Statement Sleeves” exhibition is set to be an absolute sensation, captivating visitors until August 25, 2024. It promises to be an unparalleled exploration of the transformative power of sleeves in fashion history. For those passionate about witnessing the evolution of sleeve styles and understanding their innate ability to convey self-expression and shape fashion trends, this exhibition is an absolute must-see. Ensure you mark your calendars for this incredible journey at The Museum at FIT.
For more information, please visit:
1. www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/statement-sleeves
2. www.fitnyc.edu
