All That Glitters...
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Maker unknown, white polyester qipao with gold beads and sequins, c. 1990, USA. FIT Graduate Study Collection.
Kenneth Richard, iridescent blue vinyl ensemble, 1996, USA. The Museum at FIT Study Collection. SC96.43.1
Ruben Panis, green silk chiffon dress with sequins, rhinestones, and beads and accompanying white silk chiffon cape with rhinestones and ostrich feathers, c. 1980, Los Angeles. FIT Graduate Study Collection. F2013.42
All that glitters is not always gold–it can be any medium that catches the light, shines, and reflects. The post-World War II era saw a remarkable blossoming of new textiles and technologies that changed the relationship between fashion materials and light. All That Glitters… explores surfaces that shine through themes of production, social and financial values, and conservation. The exhibition examines not only the bright side of these materials, but also their more controversial aspects, including their environmental impact and their use in protests in the form of "glitter bombing."
All That Glitters… consists of three thematic sections exploring how glitter and shine interact with clothing: “Thread,” “Fabric,” and “Adornment.” "Thread" addresses new uses of technology post-World War II, when numerous synthetic metallics emerged as an accessible alternative to precious metal threads. "Fabric” explores the glittering fabrics can have double meanings: their ability to convey elegance or gaudiness, or wealth or marginalization. "Adornment" explores some of the controversial and complex aspects of glitter. This exhibition includes garments from André Courrèges, Christian Dior, Kenneth Richard, Oscar de la Renta, Emanuel Ungaro and many more, demonstrating how these designers incorporate shine in their art.
These ideas are presented in an innovative hybrid format with companion online and in-person exhibitions. The physical exhibition in MFIT’s lobby features garments selected from study collections maintained by MFIT and the MA Fashion and Textile Studies program,which will be displayed to the public for the first time. The online exhibition explores the same concepts with examples from the MFIT’s permanent collection as its key objects.