I'm curious about the recent influx of dress exhibitions in museums. It seems like dress exhibitions are indeed fashionable, and I am curious why. Obviously, I'm quite thrilled about it, but it makes me wonder whether it is economics are driving this boom, more attention to the serious scholarship in dress studies, or if it's just a trend that will cycle out of style in a few "seasons."
Also, the idea that there are more dress exhibitions also brings into question the role of fashion/dress/costume curators. Are there more of us employed at institutions, more independent curators freelancing, or are curators in other fields becoming more interdisciplinary when it comes to dress studies?
I don't have the answer to these questions, just things I've been pondering lately. I'm interested in your own thoughts on the topic. Any ideas?
Peekaboo
4 hours ago
1 comments:
It might be the case that more fashion exhibitions are cropping up in places other than NYC, but places like the Met have had exhibitions based on fashion for a long time (since the 1960s). I think it is quickly becoming a popular topic for museums, and you're right, in this economic downturn, museums will do anything to draw visitors.
Outside of NY, there is a dire need for curators with costume and textile skills. And even in NY, institutions are realizing that their collections need care but they don't have the funding for permanent (or sometimes, even temporary) staff. I'm hoping that as times get better, so will the funding pools and these collections will get the proper attention they deserve.
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