Items: is Fashion modern?

MoMa exhibition in New York repositions fashion as a true cultural phenomenon

The question is simple: is fashion modern enough to be defined the true and only social phenomenon that is always in evolution and one that can define great changes in the world around us? The answer is: yes, and we know this well. However, with this exhibition, we can experience it firsthand, right from the start, when it will be presented until to January 28th, 2018 at the MoMa in New York, and where several iconic pieces from the past century can be viewed. Yet, we’re not speaking of famous brands and clothing, but of types of clothing. In the section dedicated to the silhouette, you can admire jeans, the little black dress, the Wonderbra, saris, and Rudi Gernreich’s unisex pieces from the 1960s, just to name a few. The second section, curated by Paola Antonelli – MoMa’s Senior Curator and added by Art Review to the list of one of the most influential people in the art world – is about new technologies, with pieces by Issey Miyake and Pierre Cardin, but also Goretex and Moon Boots. The third section is dedicated to the relationship between emancipation, modesty, introversion, and rebellion that, paradoxically, have many com- mon traits in fashion. Then there are objects that send messages in a direct manner – like T-shirts or the Birkin or a diamond – the relationship between fashion and athletics, uniforms for everyday wear, and, finally, the big topic: the concept of power, with Donna Karan’s famous power suit of the 80s. Fashion that comes to MoMa is no small thing, since it represents another element towards recognizing that sociological value which goes beyond the usual phrase, “You are what you wear”. It goes further. It defines historical moments and cultural fluxes. MoMa, from October 1st, 2017 to January 28th, 2018.