The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will present “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” an innovative exhibition exploring the sensory aspects of historical and contemporary garments, as a highlight of Spring Fashion 2024. The exhibition, running from May 10 to September 2, 2024, at The Met Fifth Avenue, will utilize cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality and AI, alongside traditional methods like x-rays and video animation, to bring approximately 250 pieces to life.
The exhibition delves into cyclical themes of rebirth and renewal, drawing parallels between the natural world and the ephemeral nature of fashion. Original research and conservation analysis will inform the presentation, allowing visitors to experience the smells, sounds, textures, and movements of garments that are no longer wearable.
Spring fashion 2024 exhibition featuring a dress surrounded by industrial equipment.
Immersive installations will evoke the sensory experiences associated with the clothing. For instance, one gallery will feature walls embossed with embroidery patterns from an Elizabethan bodice, while another will have floors animated with snakes inspired by a sequined dress from the early 20th century. A third gallery will project a swarm of black birds onto the ceiling, referencing a Madeleine Vionnet evening dress.
Fragile garments, deemed “sleeping beauties,” will be displayed in glass enclosures, allowing for close examination of their deterioration. Select pieces will be virtually resurrected using Pepper’s ghost illusion technique. This offers a unique perspective on the evolution of spring fashion 2024 trends and the enduring artistry of historical pieces.
The exhibition’s thematic galleries, each inspired by nature, will showcase historical garments alongside contemporary counterparts. This juxtaposition aims to highlight the timeless influence of nature on fashion design and the cyclical nature of trends in spring fashion 2024.
Photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio, in collaboration with curator Andrew Bolton, will contribute their creative vision to the technological activations within the exhibition. Leong Leong architects will design the exhibition space in conjunction with The Met’s Design Department. ST smell artist Sissel Tolaas will create scents to accompany select garments, further enhancing the sensory experience. This collaborative effort promises a groundbreaking exploration of spring fashion 2024 and its historical roots.
The Costume Institute Benefit, also known as the Met Gala, will be held on May 6, 2024, to celebrate the exhibition’s opening. This event serves as the department’s primary funding source for exhibitions, acquisitions, and operations. The Met Gala is a significant event in the fashion calendar and provides a platform for showcasing the latest trends in spring fashion 2024. This year’s theme, “Reawakening Fashion,” promises a spectacular display of creativity and innovation.
