During our short trip to NYC this weekend we managed to take a quick stroll through the Met, and luckily I got a chance to view this year’s fashion exhibit – Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. I just had to document the incredible design, textures, colors and innovation put into these pieces. Hope you enjoy and draw inspiration from these like I did!
This piece from Hussein Chalayan absolutely blew my mind. It’s made from cast fiberglass. machine painted with gold metallic. If that’s not cool enough, the wearer actually steps onto the back platform, and the entire piece is remote-controlled and on wheels! Still not impressed? Each of those fifty hand-embroidered “pollens” are created from crystals and pearled paper, and they are released to twirl around the garment wearer, symbolizing new beginnings. It really doesn’t get much more technologically fashionable than that!
This wedding ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld / House of Chanel is impressive in an entirely different way. Just look at that embellished train! I mean, I have to have laser focus on the days my maxi dress or skirt drags slightly on the floor!
The design exemplifies the coordinated efforts of the handmade (manus) with machine-worked (machina). It’s made from hand-folded scuba knit fabric, which is machine sewn, and then hand finished.
Here’s a closer shot at the impossibly intricate detailing on this train. Fun fact: I was reprimanded by the fashion police for leaning over the material to take this shot. The things we do for the blog!
The train of scuba knit and silk satin was machine sewn and hand finished. Lagerfeld hand-drew the baroque design, which was then digitally randomized and realized by a combination of hand and machine efforts. Atelier Lunas used a heat press to transfer the rhinestones, while Atelier Anne Gelbard painted the gold metallic pigment entirely by hand! Similarly, the pearls and gemstones were hand embroidered by Cecile Henri Atelier.
The front of the impressive dress.
I loved the juxtaposition of these very different patterns that somehow melded perfectly into one dress without trying too hard.
This stage was probably my favorite, since it showcased the romantic pieces with amazing textures and soft colors.
This dress will dance in my dreams for years to come. I’ve mention in past posts that I have a soft spot for Sleeping Beauty, and this is just the sort of romantic, medieval princess dress that Aurora / Briar Rose would adorn. The three dimensional florals make it look like the dress picked up some petals while roaming through a secret garden or nearby forest.
How fun is that texture!
This dress reminded me of snow-powdered roses.
These dresses reminded me of vintage, retro, 1950’s housewives dresses, only with much more embellishment and intricate detail.
The epitome of sleek and glamorous.
Can’t get over the design of this piece! From the collar to the high-low hem and the fun texture, it’s so unique and interesting!
It was such an inspiration to walk through these impressive pieces, I’m glad I could share my favorites with you all! Following this exhibit we headed up to see the views on the Met rooftop, then noshed on some of the best Turkish food ever!
Comment Challenge: What do you think of these fashion & technology pieces? Which dress was your favorite?
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