We all saw the opening night images: Rihanna wearing what looked to be a pope hat and dress, broodily starring down the lenses of hundreds of paparazzi; Katy Perry breezing up the red carpet with gargantuan white feathered wings and Madonna, looking like, well–herself! So what was this controversial exhibit about besides an endless parade of celebrities looking like extras in an old Madonna video?
I have to admit, I had my doubts to attend this event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Would it be tasteless? Was it blasphemous? My unease soon subsided upon further research and discovering the museum’s deep academic and aesthetic intentions. They also worked in collaboration with the Vatican which added great legitimacy.
The show is the vision of curator, Andrew Bolton, and is not solely based on fashion, but costume and art. It’s the largest show in the The Met’s history, spanning 26 galleries.
”Heavenly Bodies” features the work of designers who for the most part were raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. While their current relationships to Catholicism vary, most acknowledge its enduring influence on their imaginations. On the surface this influence is expressed through explicit Catholic imagery and symbolism as well as references to specific garments worn by the clergy and religious orders. On a deeper level, it manifests as a reliance on storytelling, and specifically on metaphor–which the sociologist Andrew Greeley describes as the essential characteristic of a particular sensibility he defines as ”the Catholic imagination.”
The exhibition explores how the Catholic imagination has shaped the creativity of designers and how it is conveyed through their narrative impulses. These impulses are reflected in the organization of the exhibition, which unfolds as a series of short stories told through conversations between religious artworks in The Met collection and fashions of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Catholic imagination also operates on an experiential level, and, accordingly, the show’s configuration evokes the concept and practice of a pilgrimage.
The journey begins at The Met Fifth Avenue in the Byzantine and medieval art galleries and continues in the Anna Wintour Costume Center. It concludes at The Met Cloisters in northern Manhattan, where elements from French monasteries have been rebuild as four cloisters. While the fashions might seem far removed from the sanctity of the Catholic Church, these contests illuminate the myriad ways in which they embody the imaginative traditions of Catholicism. Taken together, the fashions and artworks in ”Heavenly Bodies” sing in perfectly choreographed unison. The ethereal background music softly playing as you wander through and explore, only heightens the feeling of awe and enchantment.
Need for Speed: A sneek peek at the behind-the-scenes set up:
Whether you are a Catholic or not, this exhibition is a must-see. And I did see some priests wandering around looking at everything with great interest. It’s an inspiring, beautiful and historical exhibition. It shows what man can create when he puts his whole heart into his soul. The exhibit continues until October 8th.
This is such a stunning exhibition. I love this theme and that the met worked with the vatican to bring it together, it’s all so gorgeous.
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
It is quite a surprise how they worked together! I’m glad I went!
Trace x
I’ve seen a few reviews of this exhibit and man I want to see it soooo badly… wishing I wasn’t on the other side of the world right now
Hope you can make it there, Amelia! It is incredible!
Trace x
Sounds like an amazing exhibition. I never really thought about the influence of religion on fashion, so it would be amazing to learn more. Your photographs are amazing 🙂
Thanks so much, Kat! I took much more photos wish I could have fit them all in! :o)
Trace x
What a fabulous exhibition and so cleverly laid out. Thanks for the tour!
You are very welcome Kammi! Glad you enjoyed it!
Trace x
What a fabulous exhibition and so cleverly laid out. Thanks for the tour!!
What a wonderful place to visit! I feel like I have now through your great photos. Everything is so ellaborate in there, would be super intresting to visit! Great post, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Gary! Glad you enjoyed the tour!
Trace x
Beautiful Exhibition <3 🙂
Thanks Phoenix! It was definitely worth seeing!
Trace x
It’s amazing how religion can influence these great designers. i’ts a beautiful exhibit!
I absolutely agree with you! Thanks so much!
Trace x
The Met Gala is something that I look forward to every single year (and dream of attending!) and I would love to see this exhibit in person. Everything looks proper amazing!
It sure does! I love watching The Met galas too! Wonder what they’ve got planned next and looking forward to it!
Trace x
Oh my goodness! There’s so much to look at and take in.. I could spend a whole day there and not care because I would want to see everything.. great post
Thanks Jaleysa! There is so much more to see there it really takes a whole day to see.
Trace x
What a Beautiful exhibit. I love Couture exhibits. This is just stunning.
I completely agree, Tamie! It really was one of the best fashion exhibits I’ve been to!
Trace x
The museum looks amazing! Love that there are so many different fashionwear being featured, as well as some history being displayed. It is interesting to see YSL’s work tied with religion – in a good way! Thanks for sharing these views :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Nancy! It was a fantastic show and a amazing curation of designers!
Trace x
This exhibit looks amazing! ☺️
Thank you Jenny! It really was!
Trace x