Modern Art: Vogue presents A to Z about the MET exhibition 2018

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s upcoming spring exhibition, without a doubt one of the most anticipated of 2018, has just unveiled its theme: 

‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’, or the relationship between fashion and the Catholic religion. From Balenciaga to Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino, the exhibition will explore the history of fashion through Christianity’s dogmas and codes, an infinite source of inspiration for designers past and present.

 

Défilé Dolce & Gabbana automne-hiver 2013/2014

 

©The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Katerina Jebbof

© Metropolitan Museum of Art

Religion has always inspired designers. After last year’s Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons’, theme, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is turning to Christian imagery in fashion for its spring 2018 exhibition, supported by Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzmann, Versace and Condé Nast, and named Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. From delicate, byzantine-inspired Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana dresses, the haute couture Garden of Eden à la Valentino and Balenciaga’s reinterpretation of a cardinal’s cloak, Christian imagery, history and symbols, given their place in the collection imagination, constantly inspire designers who don’t hesitate to draw on the Testaments for their collections.

 

© Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

©The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Katerina Jebbof

Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

Défilé Valentino haute couture printemps-été 2014

 

Valentino S.p.A MET/Katerina Jebb

The Costume Institute, the MET’s extensive fashion department, is set to display over 150 pieces playing on the powerful link between Catholicism and fashion this spring. Dresses, coats, jewelry pieces and accessories straight from the wardrobe of a Christian princess will be exhibited across three large spaces from May 10 to October 8, 2018. In an exceptional gesture, the Vatican will be lending the exhibition around 50 pieces, some of which come from the Sistine Chapel, including Papal robes, jewelry pieces, tiaras and other ecclesiastical treasures dating from the 18th Century to the present day.

As the theme of the MET’s fashion exhibition also dictates the theme of its prestigious annual gala, guests of the party will have to inspire their dress with Christian imagery. Who out of Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace, the evening’s hosts, will make the biggest impression on the red carpet? Find out May 7, 2018.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin L. Weisl, Jr., 1994 (1994.516) Image © Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

Gift of J. Pierpoint Morgan, 1917© MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Katerina Jebb Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, May 10 to October 8, 2018, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA