Thursday, June 2, 2016

Manus x Machina at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

"With more than 170 ensembles dating from the early 20th century to the present, the exhibit addresses the founding of haute couture in the 19th century, when the sewing machine was invented, and the emergence of a distinction between the hand (manus) and the machine (machina) at the onset of mass production. It will explore this ongoing dichotomy, in which hand and machine are presented as discordant tools in the creative process, and question the relationship and distinction between haute couture and ready-to-wear."( the Met's own words.)


This is what you see as you first walk into the Manus x Machina exhibit at the Met. The Haute Couture Chanel gown has an enormous  train, all hand embroidered.


Couldn't help putting this selfie in here. I'm such a newbie at selfies, I still don't have the hang of it!
The next two dresses flank the narrow passage that leads to the rest of the exhibit. They are each surprises because they are composed of, the first one of clear plastic straws and the second one of black plastic straws. Incredible!
I usually will select a few photos for my blog post but in this case, I am really showing practically the entire exhibit. Everything was so impressive and beautiful that I decided to curate very generously.
Dresses made of feathers








Dresses covered in plastic embroidery






Lacework




There was a huge crowd trying to take in this marvelous exhibit.





I just discovered this talented young Cypriot designer, Hussein Chalayan! Love his work.


The exhibit had numerous pieces by this fashion designer. I would go as far as saying he dominated the exhibit with his brilliant work!











Twenty first century styles!
Dress from the 1930's. Plisse, in French meaning pleated












Dress printed on a 3D Printer! Amazing!

Plastic






Fur trimmed and leather

Now that you've come with us on a tour of this amazing exhibit, we bid you a good day and see you soon!

Enjoy!

Maria