In a bold departure from traditional fashion exhibitions, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is poised to captivate audiences with its Spring 2024 showcase, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." The Costume Institute's Wendy Yu Curator in Charge, Andrew Bolton, promises an immersive journey through the fragility and ephemerality of fashion, using nature as a metaphor for rebirth and renewal.
Opening its doors at The Met Fifth Avenue from May 10 to September 2, 2024, "Sleeping Beauties" endeavors to redefine the museum experience. A fusion of original research, conservation analysis, and cutting-edge technologies will breathe life into approximately 250 garments and accessories spanning four centuries. The overarching theme of nature will unite these pieces, inviting visitors to explore the sensory dimensions of fashion that are often lost within museum collections.
The exhibition unfolds in self-contained galleries, each a curated exploration of themes inspired by the natural world. From Elizabethan bodices embossed with foliate embroidery to floors animated with snakes adorning sequined dresses, each space will be a sensory delight. The creative genius of photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio will bring technological activations to life, offering a unique perspective on fashion's evolution.
Architectural prowess comes into play as Leong Leong collaborates with The Met's Design Department to craft an exhibition space that transcends the ordinary. Sissel Tolaas, the ST smell artist and researcher, will contribute olfactory experiences, adding another layer to the multisensory journey. "Sleeping Beauties" is not just a visual spectacle; it is a tactile, auditory, and aromatic exploration of fashion's intricate tapestry.
The exhibition reaches its pinnacle with the resurrection of "sleeping beauties" – garments so fragile they can no longer grace mannequins. Encased in glass "coffins," these pieces invite scrutiny, allowing visitors to analyze their states of deterioration. The illusion technique known as Pepper's ghost will momentarily revive select garments, bridging the gap between past and present.
As a prelude to the exhibition, The Costume Institute Benefit, famously known as The Met Gala®, is set for May 6, 2024. This star-studded event not only marks the opening of "Sleeping Beauties" but also serves as a crucial fundraising platform for The Costume Institute. The generous support of TikTok, Loewe, and Condé Nast ensures the realization of this ambitious project.
Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, expresses anticipation for an exhibition that pushes the boundaries of imagination, offering a deeper appreciation for the artistic brilliance of fashion. Andrew Bolton envisions "Sleeping Beauties" as a reconnection with fashion masterpieces, restoring their vibrancy, dynamism, and life. In the spring of 2024, The Met beckons fashion enthusiasts to witness the reawakening of beauty in a mesmerizing multisensory experience.
