Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists of New York City. With it’s history, culture and aesthetic, the exhibits shown at The MET function as both a work of art and a public statement.

The “Heavenly Bodies” exhibition, which inspired this year’s MET Gala theme, has been a statement of religion, fashion and history, showing how all three can come together to produce inspiring works of art.

Created by The MET’s Costume Institute, the exhibit features designers such as Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana, and Versace. Most of the designers featured in the exhibit have been raised or somehow influenced by the Roman Catholic tradition, as shown through their complex designs.

Walking into the exhibit you are struck with a sense of wonderment as you glance up at the Dolce and Gabbana dresses on pedestaled mannequins, while also being surrounded by walls of glass encased artifacts. It seemed as though from any direction, there is either a fashion piece or artifact to be observed.

As you continue through the exhibit you find yourself transitioning from a small hallway into a wide, open space with high ceilings. I spent most of my time observing the designs in this room due to its grandeur and display of intricate designs.

Most of the items featured in the exhibit are demonstrative of palpal robes, ornamental gowns or historic artifacts, including jewelry by Chanel. Many of the designs on display are from the Sistine Chapel sacristy and have never before been viewed outside of the Vatican.

The display visually demonstrates the connection between religion and fashion, leaving the viewer speechless to the impact of history.

The MET best describes “Heavenly Bodies” in a statement placed within the exhibit.

“Taken together, the fashions and artworks in ‘Heavenly Bodies’ sing in unison with distinctly enchanted and enchanting voices.”

The exhibit will continue until October 8, 2018. To purchase tickets, click here.

If you would like to view more images of the exhibit, find us on Instagram at blog.trouvaille.

Have you been to the Heavenly Bodies Exhibit at the MET? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!