One of the many things on my summer bucket list was to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their exciting fashion exhibit, Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. Luckily, a few weeks ago I had the chance to explore the exhibit and the entire museum.
I was blown away by how extensive the exhibit was. The exhibit includes over 170 ensembles, showing that fashion is more than just dressing but truly an art form. Each piece showcased in the exhibit highlighted the connection between technology and fashion.
I enjoyed how the exhibit was divided based on fabrication or detail, including pleats, tulle, sequins, feathers, embroidery, artificial flowers, and lace. This really emphasized how special each piece was and the role of the hand (manus) and the machine (machina) in the design and manufacture of the piece.
When I was walking around the exhibit, I made sure to take a few photos and jot down a few of my reactions to what I saw. Keep on reading to hear my commentary on the exhibit and the evolving fashion world.
- Although, we shouldn’t heavily rely on technology, let’s face it our world is becoming more technologically advanced whether we like it or not. So instead of ignoring these achievements within technology we must recognize them and use them to our advantage.
- We should always keep in mind the differences between the hand and the machine. To be honest, no machine could produce as incredible a piece than the hand because a hand-crafted piece is one of a kind, taking patience, time, and dedication to the craft.
- I agree hand-made items are seen as more valuable; however we can’t completely neglect technology or see it as less valuable. Just like Miuccia Prada said, “For me, mixing the hand and the machine gives the best results.” To me, what is most valuable is the designer’s passion and time they put into their design.
- While looking at the many pieces throughout the exhibit, I noticed that most of the embroidery and floral details were done by hand so the artist/designer could strategically hand place crystals or other embellishments onto the fabric, thus making it more unique.
- After learning more about the distinction between the hand and the machine, I realized you have more control over things produced by hand, meaning you can manipulate your piece in a way that is visually appealing to your audience.
- Regarding the hand, imperfections are generally only seen in handmade products. Unlike a machine, humans cannot make everything perfect. However, instead of finding fault in a misplaced button or crystal we actually find beauty and uniqueness in it.
- The exhibit also touched on the differences between ready to wear fashion and haute couture. Now we live in a world that mostly follows the ready to wear fashion model. However, one of thee most important distinctions between ready to wear fashion and haute couture is in the details. For example, just look at the elaborate embroidery in the wedding dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. That piece of haute couture fashion cannot be produced in one day.
- Lastly, the most beautiful gowns worn by celebrities on the red carpet or the clothes we have in our very own closet are all produced with the help from the hand and the machine.
Are you a big fashion lover or art fan? I highly suggest visiting the met in New York City before this exhibit closes on September 5th. You won’t regret it. For those who have seen the exhibit what were some of your highlights of your trip?
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
http://www.irenethayer.com
Stumbled upon your blog 🙂 Love it!
Grace
http://www.gracehui.com/blog
This was one of my favorite exhibits! The detailing in each piece was stunning. Thanks for sharing. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
this looks so good and so much variety too!
http://www.thewhimsicalwildling.com/
I would love to visit this exhibition. If I get to NYC before it closes, I will definitely go see it. Thank you for sharing.
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
What a beautiful picture! I hope your day was as beautiful!
http://www.handbagmystyle.com
Love how detailed everything is, so gorgeous!
Great post! And beautiful images.
http://www.fashiontruffles.com
Seriously the most amazing pieces! It’s so inspiring!!
xo Bryn
http://www.waketonroad.com
Such amazing pieces!
https://elementsofellis.com/
ahh this was such a cool exhibit, so much good inspo! great post!
xx Melis
http://fashionmews.com
So incredible. Gosh, some of this work is just so breathtaking. I think I would be in there staring at the details for hours!! Thank you for sharing.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com/
those pieces are amazingly gorgeous~
Such a stunning exhibit- so glad you got to experience it up close!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Oh I envy you so much. This exhibition looks amazing. So many amazing pieces. Just stunning.
These styles are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/
Lovely!
NEW POST : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS
Great read! And beautiful pieces!
Adi xx
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
http://www.instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
This is so interesting! Thanks for sharing for those of us who can’t make it to the exhibit!
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
Great post love this type,Thanks for sharing!!!
http://www.bagshoenew.com
what an exhibit!! What an experience!! I love this so much and wish I could have gone, so thanks for sharing it with us!
What amazing pieces!!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Beautiful designs! Fabulous post!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Such a stunning exhibition! Everything looks so flawless!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
looks so creative!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
I just went to this yesterday and it was amazing!!!
xx
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
These are so stunning and unique! Wow! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
This is such a gorgeous dress!
http://www.2016handbagushops.com
This is amazing! I love the dresses so much 🙂
Best Michaela
Michaelablog
Bloglovin’
I literally went ohhhh wow looking through all your pictures.
Life is just Rosie
so many very unique looks!
kelseybang.com
This post is great, so inspiring!
http://www.stayclassi.wordpress.com
Oh very wonderful dresses
xx
What an amazing exhibition to have been able to see in real life. so cool!