Ranting Eva is a twenty-something whose ever observant eye hopes to share the daily trials and tribulations of the 21st century, through some downright opinionated rambling on different facets of pop culture.« Only at the gym | Main | Fiction: The Real Truth? »
May 16, 2006
God Save McQueen … and Burberry too!
Open since May 3, AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion 1976-2006 is the latest exhibit organized by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute, with sponsorship from Burberry. Mania juxtaposes historic gowns, traditions, with some of the most cutting-edge and innovative designs, transgressions, coming out of the UK by designers like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Christopher Bailey to name a few. Mannequins staged dramatically throughout the English Period Rooms in the Annie Laurie Aitken Galleries illustrate the balancing act these modern designers play, paying homage to their traditional inspirations and finding their own distinctive re-imaginings. Each room is built around a theme, like Upstairs and Downstairs, the Hunt Ball and the English Garden.
This exhibit is a must for fashionistas and anyone who is interested in different expressions of pop culture. There are a couple of pieces that should not be missed. In the Gentlemen’s Club, there is a tuxedo belonging to the Duke of Windsor standing across the way from a tartan jacket worn by Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. In the Hunt, there are two trench coats from Burberry’s two last seasons that are magnificent, particularly the spring lilac taffeta trench with a long detailed train, exactly like the khaki colored version that is in the shop window of Burberry on East 57th Street. Not to mention the amazing black knee high boots designed by Vivienne Westwood that would be a welcome addition to the wardrobe of any dominatrix or anyone with a stiletto heel fetish.
Alas, there isn’t a proper catalogue out for the exhibit, which is on view through September 4th, but the latest issue of Vogue (Keira Knightley’s on the cover) has an article with images and iTunes has the Metropolitan Museum’s podcast for the exhibit, which features Johnny Rotten and his unique perspective on the punk movement.
Posted by eva on May 16, 2006 10:46 PM
