THE MOST FASHIONABLE MUSEUM IN NEW YORK CITY
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanNew York City is a cultural mecca of museums. You will never be disappointed by all the intriguing exhibits that give each museum across the city their own personality and their own special audience.
The Museum at FIT has come to be known as the most fashionable museum in New York City. It is a one of a kind fashion museum with over 100,000 people walking through the doors each year to be educated, entertained and excited by all the unique collections and exhibitions. It was founded in 1969, installed in the current building in 1974 and showing presentations in 1975.
There are three galleries, each with a different purpose and a permanent collection with over 50,000 garments and accessories dating as far back as the 18th century and as current as today. The masters of design, Balenciaga and Chanel and Dior, all have luxurious pieces on display.
This year the calendar of events is packed full with special and memorable programs and exhibits that are selling out quickly.
Through the next month, notable exhibits are on display such as ‘IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA’ which brings us an anniversary celebration and a look at the incredible impact that the Council of Fashion Designers of America has had on the development of American fashion.
Another exciting talk and tour is ‘Youthquake! The 1960’s Fashion Revolution’. This exhibition explores the seismic impact of youth culture on fashion during the 60’s. Such distinguished designers as Betsey Johnson, Pierre Cardin and the memorable paper dress with a large picture of Bob Dylan, are all part of the fashion experience.
Lectures, workshops and book signings also take place throughout each month on a variety of fashionable subjects.
Most of the themes lean towards “directional”. In addition to the impressive garments from such designers as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Halston and Vivienne Westwood, there are over 15,000 accessories and more than 4,000 pairs of shoes on display. In addition, 30,000 textiles from fifth century to present are exhibited including work of such awarded artists as William Morris and Salvador Dali. Many of the special exhibitions have received numerous accolades and awards such as ‘London Fashion’ and ‘The Corset: Fashioning the Body’.
A show takes place spotlighting more than 800 students who will be receiving their degrees from The School of Art & Design. This innovative showing takes place from May 9th through the 22nd.
If you are unable to make it to the museum in the near future, the next best thing is the new online collection coming this spring.
Mark your calendars now for September 5th, 2012, when respected and renowned designer, Oscar de la Renta, will receive The Couture Council Artistry of Fashion Award at a benefit luncheon at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. We have all grown up with a love of his dynamic ingenious style and The Museum at FIT has opened our eyes to his true superstar status.
So the next time that you want to brighten your day or catch up on fashion history, make your way over to The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology on Seventh Avenue at W. 27th Street.
To learn more, go to : http://fitnyc.edu/3662.asp
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