What do you get when you cross learning about inspirational fashion, writing comments on style and escaping from reality inside the hallowed walls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Three of my all time favorite things wrapped up into one fabulous experience!
The latest (brilliant) exhibit from the Costume Institute: “blog.mode; addressing fashion“
“The exhibition presents some forty costumes and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present—all recent Metropolitan Museum acquisitions—and invites visitors to share their reactions via a blog on the Museum’s website”
Every day you get a fresh daily dose of fashion history, then you’re free to write your feelings about what you see or simply read what others are saying.
I have to admit I’ve spent probably more time than I should on this site over the past few weeks, but hey- why not take advantage of a free “mini course on fashion history” from my favorite museum in the world!
For added fun I like to try to guess the original year of the fashions and then think about the influence they have on today’s trends…
Today’s dress was a real surprise…
Rudi Gernreich (American, born Austria, 1922–1985). Dress, ca. 1969. Black wool jersey and silver metal zipper. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Funds from various donors, Isabel Shults Fund, and Millia Davenport and Zipporah Fleisher Fund, 2005 (2005.261).
I would have guessed this was some early 1980’s creation… it seems so “punk rock” to me, I was shocked to discover this dress was in a collection from 1969. You just wouldn’t expect black with exposed zippers during the brightly mode dress of the day we usually associate with the late 60’s! Talk about being ahead of one’s time.
Elle Accessories Fall/winter magazine took a look a very similar looking Patrick Cox boot and Christian Louboutin Bag citing they were inspired from the 1980’s… I wonder if they’re right?
I’m a huge fan of Elsa Peretti, she must have been channeling Cleopatra when she created this belt in 1973.
Elsa Peretti (American, born Italy, 1940). Belt, 1973
Sterling silver and enamel. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest, 2004 (2004.20)
Apparently 25 years later her vision is still in fashion, as this week’s Star magazine showcased a trend that looks very similar.
I’m always fascinated how the sillouhette of clothing have so drastically changed over the ages, it seems hard to imagine today’s man wearing this ensemble.
French Suit, 1810–12. Green silk voided velvet with yellow and ivory silk filament fleck motif and ivory silk satin piping. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest, 2003 (2003.45a–c).
But, if Thom Browne has any influence over the future… they just might! As his Spring 2008 collection shows, in fashion- anything is possible.
I’ll be checking in with more influences and trends as I spot them during this online exhibition…
In the meantime let me know if you’ve found any! 
Julie, I agree this exhibit is brilliant but think the connections you make between past fashion trends and those we see today are just as brilliant.
Your insights always feeds my imagination and starts my mind making all sorts of past/present connections.
You’re the best when it comes to thinking about…and showing off…style!
Love that dress. I agree that the color and piping the seams with zipper(s) give it an eighties sensibility, but I do see the sixties in the a-line shape of the dress. Either way the simplicity of design makes it timeless and would allow it to be worn in either of those two decades or even today.
Thanks for a heads up to the blogsite. I can imagine spending way too much time there!
Great website!! Keep up the good work!!