By Diva Ann, GorgeousThings
The following is exerpted from the press release from The Museum at FIT. You can see more at the link above. This looks like a great exhibit.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
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‘To illustrate tailoring techniques, particularly the seaming of complicated garments, The Tailor’s Art displays muslin versions that show how the garment is made next to finished garments for both men and women by Adrian and Balenciaga. “We selected these two designers because they are masters of the art of tailoring,” Mears said.
Gender differences are further explored by presenting flamboyant and tailored fashions for women that complement and contrast with the menswear on view. Among them are a painted silk and cotton “Iris” dress that likens the wearer to a flower, and a camel wool day suit with elaborate soutache trim. The historical survey of tailoring for women begins with a blue quilted silk petticoat from 1770 and culminates with a 1996 tuxedo dress suit by Ann Demulemeester.
Examples of lush, colorful textiles, an important element in tailoring, include a tartan plaid kilt and waistcoat from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a 1930 emerald green silk chiffon by Molyneux that could have inspired Noel Coward. This romantic attire contrasts with the sobriety of the gray flannel suit that Gregory Peck wore to symbolize conformity in The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.
The Tailor’s Art ends with a display of the most modern examples of tailoring today. Highlights are Yohji Yamamoto’s deconstructed, reconstructed suit and a “ghetto fabulous” suit by Sean Jean, also known as “P. Diddy.”‘