Manus X Machina / First Impressions

Karl Lagerfeld (French, born Hamburg, 1938) for House of Chanel (French, founded 1913)
Wedding ensemble, autumn/winter 2005–6 haute couture

Leather Jacket: Rag and Bone, Victorian Blouse: L Train Vintage Flare Jeans: Forever 21 (Found these at Housing Works for $3!)

Today, May 5th 2016; after 6 months of patience the new costume exhibit: Manus X Machina opens to the public at the Met. This particular exhibit, unlike the previous years, primarily focus on hand-sewn and machine-made hybrid pieces: innovative unique haute couture gowns.

Designers such as Karl Lagerfeld from the house of Channel and Raf Simons from house of Dior,  implement 3D printers to print out intricate patterns recreating and mimicking classic silhouettes and fabric texture. The drive to incorporate technology into fashion, does not divert attention that less effort was put into a piece but perhaps becomes an extensive tool in today's fashion.

After seeing the exhibit opening day, it had a surprising slow turn out, but made the experience of viewing these extravagant couture gowns, much more special and left me in awe. When approaching the exhibit there is dramatic background music echoing through the dome ceilings. Yes, dramatic but so is the pearl and diamond adorn Chanel train staged right in the center of the exhibit. It is hard to choose a favorite piece but I was drawn to all of the pale pink gowns instantly. Each gown had held their own, telling their own story, and ugh I just love it all. The only thing that put me off during my walk through the exhibit was the security shouting that the museum was closing. I think they should just be much more professional like libraries and use the intercom- calmly. Other than that, I highly recommend the Manus X Machina exhibit, it truly puts gives the viewer a new perspective to dress making and an appreciation for both technology and designers. Paving a path to accepting technology into the fashion world. 

The Manus X Machina exhibit is held at the Metropolitan museum in New York City now through August 15th. Please, if you're in the city visit this brilliant museum, and definitely peek through the exhibit, it might give you a new insight into the art of fashion. 

XX Anisong S.

For more information: MET MUSEUM