4.39

3

Nov 16, 2014

The Museum of Costume Art in New York City became part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946. At that time it was renamed The Costume Institute. The Costume Institute staff conducts research into the history of dress and the influence it has had on both culture and history worldwide.

In 1948, fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized a lavish benefit party to help offset the expense involved in the research and acquisition activities of this outstanding department of the Met. It was so The Museum of Costume Art in New York City became part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946. At that time it was renamed The Costume Institute. The Costume Institute staff conducts research into the history of dress and the influence it has had on both culture and history worldwide.

In 1948, fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized a lavish benefit party to help offset the expense involved in the research and acquisition activities of this outstanding department of the Met. It was so successful that it has become an annual affair attended by fashion icons, politicians, and socialites as well as sports and entertainment celebrities. These annual galas and exhibitions have helped to “expand and conserve one of the greatest collections of historic and contemporary dress in the world—more than 35,000 objects spanning five centuries”.

This beautifully photographed volume focuses on the exhibits and galas of the last fourteen years—the early years of the 21st century. Narratives which are included serve to enhance the understanding of the unique exhibitions.
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3

Mar 16, 2015

Eh.

As fabulous as the Met Gala is, this photographic tribute was surprisingly dull.

5

Aug 01, 2015

Gorgeous account of our history of fashion. Some of these designs are one of a kind, of course, and others mark the trend of society at that time. Brilliant designs in a myriad of colors. Well worth a read.

5

Sep 01, 2018

Whether you need a fantasy or thriller. Some escapism or reality. This is your book.
Covering THE party of every year in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts by Vogue and the Costume Institute of the Met from 2001 to 2014.
Each year’s theme is well documented and photographed spinning the tale of fashion - the people that makes it, the people that wears it and everything in between. Showing off the tables set and ready to receive their distinguished guests. Mesmerizing the reader with the way guests Whether you need a fantasy or thriller. Some escapism or reality. This is your book.
Covering THE party of every year in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts by Vogue and the Costume Institute of the Met from 2001 to 2014.
Each year’s theme is well documented and photographed spinning the tale of fashion - the people that makes it, the people that wears it and everything in between. Showing off the tables set and ready to receive their distinguished guests. Mesmerizing the reader with the way guests would have arrived- the magnificent staircase, the exquisite, often flower covered scene that wow’s them after climbing (often in very uncomfortable shoes I might add) those stairs.
It touches on Anna Wintour and the awesome choreographers and curators making the show happen. How jealous I am of these people - wallowing in fabric and beauty and calling it a job!
I love how the book makes every exhibition or show or party - call it what you want, one word can not be enough to describe it ever - a bit more permanent. Just so we can peruse and enjoy the theme chosen annually.
What a brilliant tribute to fashion being a form of art.
A must read for everybody that has ever pulled any fabric over their heads in an attempt to dress. A must read. ...more

5

Dec 23, 2016

Great book of exhibits in fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I would love to go to one of these shows! Amazing and informative.

4

Feb 01, 2015

Four stars for the illustrations because I can't honestly say I read the whole book. The text was so TINY and my eyes are so old. And it was a big, heavy tome. While my fondness is more for the historical fashion exhibits the others covering more modern designers and trends like punk were interesting enough. I liked the pages with all the thumbnail pictures of fashions from each exhibition. Gave you plenty to look at but I do wish there had been a bit more info about each design shown.

4

Nov 19, 2014

Another very good oversized book. This one is more photos than copy, but what lovely photos! And the copy was fascinating. I especially loved the chapter on Jacqueline Kennedy's clothing and the one on Charles James. I think this is a book where you could pick it up a few times and see something different in the photos each and every time. Dresses were fabulous, fashion stories were great, and the people described were eccentric but fabulously creative. Great book.

4

Jun 27, 2016

I wish I read this book before my trip to NY and went to see Fashion in the Age of Technology exhibition.

5

Feb 08, 2015

Great bits of history and amazing works of art - the event layouts are pretty fantastic as well.