The Met, short for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, stands as a beacon of fashion history and innovation. From its humble beginnings as the Museum of Costume Art in 1937 to its current status as a global fashion authority, the Met fashion house has captivated audiences with its groundbreaking exhibitions and unparalleled collection. This article delves into the rich history of the Met fashion house, exploring its evolution, influential figures, and landmark exhibitions.
The Genesis of the Met Fashion House
Founded by Irene Lewisohn, the Museum of Costume Art merged with The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946, becoming The Costume Institute. This pivotal moment, fueled by the fashion industry’s financial backing, marked the beginning of the Met’s journey to becoming a leading force in the fashion world. In 1959, the Institute solidified its position as a curatorial department within the Met.
The Vreeland Era: A Fashion Renaissance
The appointment of Diana Vreeland as a special consultant in 1972 ushered in a transformative era for the Met fashion house. Vreeland, a legendary fashion editor, orchestrated a series of unforgettable exhibitions that redefined the landscape of costume exhibitions worldwide. Shows like “The World of Balenciaga” (1973), “The Glory of Russian Costume” (1976), and “Vanity Fair” (1977) captivated audiences and set a new standard for showcasing fashion as art.
A Legacy of Innovation: From Martin to Bolton
Following Vreeland’s passing in 1989, Richard Martin and Harold Koda continued to push boundaries with thematic exhibitions like “Infra-Apparel” and “Cubism and Fashion.” Koda’s return as curator in charge in 2000, and the subsequent hiring of Andrew Bolton, solidified the Met fashion house’s commitment to innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. Bolton’s appointment as curator in charge in 2016 marked a new chapter, continuing the legacy of groundbreaking exhibitions.
Defining Exhibitions: Shaping the Fashion Narrative
The Met fashion house consistently produces impactful exhibitions, both monographic and thematic. Monographic shows celebrating iconic designers like Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Rei Kawakubo have provided in-depth explorations of individual creative genius. Thematic exhibitions such as “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion” and “China: Through the Looking Glass” have explored broader cultural and historical influences on fashion.
Record-Breaking Success: Heavenly Bodies and Beyond
The 2018 exhibition “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” drew over 1.65 million visitors, cementing its place as The Met’s most visited exhibition. This record-breaking success, along with the popularity of exhibitions like “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” underscores the Met fashion house’s ability to engage a broad audience and solidify fashion’s place within the larger cultural conversation.
The Collection: A Treasure Trove of Fashion History
The Costume Institute boasts the world’s largest and most comprehensive costume collection. The 2009 acquisition of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection further enriched the Met’s holdings, adding significant pieces by Charles James and expanding the representation of American fashion. This vast collection provides an unparalleled chronicle of Western fashion history, serving as a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The Met Gala: Fashion’s Biggest Night
The annual Costume Institute Benefit, better known as The Met Gala, serves as the primary funding source for the department. Under the leadership of Anna Wintour, the gala has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting luminaries from various fields. This star-studded event not only celebrates the opening of the spring exhibition but also reinforces the Met fashion house’s influence on the cultural landscape.
Supporting Fashion Scholarship: The Friends Group
Established in 2002, the Friends of The Costume Institute supports the department’s diverse programs. This group plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding of fashion history and theory, promoting fashion as a serious academic discipline.
The Met Fashion House: A Continuing Legacy
The Met fashion house continues to shape the way we understand and appreciate fashion. Through its groundbreaking exhibitions, unparalleled collection, and commitment to scholarship, The Met ensures that fashion’s rich history and ongoing evolution are celebrated and preserved for generations to come. The Met fashion house stands as a testament to the enduring power and influence of fashion as a cultural force.
