Holy Inspiration: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Heavenly Bodies: From the must see event at the Met, to the Italian jewelers that translate holy influences into sublime pieces
Tuesday, 08 May 2018, by Lorenza Scalisi
The Anna Wintour Costume Center will display papal robes and accessories along with rings, tiaras studied in precious stones, and extraordinary one-off pieces, making for a historical and artistic journey spanning three centuries, from the eighteenth century to today. The Byzantine and Medieval galleries of the Met - part of the Robert Lehman wing - and the Met Cloisters will also showcase 150 ‘civilian’ ensembles, with pieces created by the most famous designers of the twentieth century: Cristobal Balenciaga, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, YSL, Vionnet and many Italian designers, including Roberto Capucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Mariuccia Mandelli, Sorelle Fontana and, obviously, Donatella Versace. These are creations that have marked the evolution of fashion as we know it today, but, most importantly, they have taken inspiration from stylistic elements, craftsmanship, and lines of vestments and papal robes. Alongside designer evening gowns, there are also medieval pieces from the museum’s collection, highlighting the common theme in the evolution that took place over the centuries in terms of objects symbolic of Christianity and Catholicism, and the fashions they inspired.
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Evening Dress, Gianni Versace, autumn/winter 1997–98. Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb
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Ensemble, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for Dolce & Gabbana, autumn/winter 2013–14. Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
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Gilet, Karl Lagerfeld for House of Chanel, autumn/winter 2008–9; Courtesy of CHANEL
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Evening Ensemble, John Galliano for House of Dior, autumn/winter 2000-2001 haute couture; Courtesy of Dior Heritage Collection, Paris
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Evening Dress, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino, spring/summer 2014 haute couture; Courtesy of Valentino S.p.A.
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Evening Ensemble, John Galliano for House of Dior, autumn/winter 2005-6 haute couture; Courtesy of Dior Heritage Collection, Paris
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Wedding Ensemble, Christian Lacroix, autumn/winter 2009- 10 haute couture; Courtesy of Maison Christian Lacroix, Paris