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Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Gallery Views
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Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Gallery Views

Heavenly Bodies: Fashion in the Catholic Imagination

Overview of the Exhibition

  • The exhibition titled "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion in the Catholic Imagination" is the largest undertaken by the Costume Institute, spanning two sites: the Met 4th Avenue and the Met Cloisters.
  • It aims to explore relationships between fashion and religious artworks within the Metropolitan Museum of Art, designed almost like a procession.

Byzantine Galleries

  • Visitors are first introduced to Byzantine galleries, showcasing designers inspired by Byzantine church interiors. Gianni Versace's last collection from 1997 features dresses inspired by a crucifix from the museum.
  • The dresses reflect chainmail aesthetics akin to micro mosaics found in Ravenna Cathedral, transitioning into evening gowns and wedding dresses adorned with crucifixes.
  • A section highlights Hisashi's work influenced by specific icons from Ravenna Cathedral, emphasizing intricate designs that mirror religious art.

Medieval Europe Gallery

  • Moving into medieval Europe galleries, garments created for representations of Madonna and Child are displayed, including works by Celeron and Titian for local churches in Puglia.
  • The layout mimics traditional church architecture with a nave and choir screen separating earthly from celestial hierarchies; clergy attire is showcased here as well.

Choir Robes and Iconic Designs

  • Notable pieces include 21 choral robes designed by Balenciaga for a choir in San Sebastian, originally designed in 1945 but reimagined later on due to contributions from women working in his studio.
  • Thierry Mugler’s collection features an angel-inspired dress with expansive gold wings symbolizing divine themes within fashion design.

Treasury and Celestial Hierarchy

  • In the Treasury section, pieces relate directly to saints' iconography; notable items include rose rubies representing Gothic excellence as visitors transition into celestial hierarchy themes through various designers’ works.
  • Christian Lacroix’s wedding dress draws inspiration from Madonna processions while other American designers create dresses reflecting Frangelico frescoes at San Marco, culminating in unique color developments like "long van blue."
Video description

The Met Fifth Avenue: Medieval, Byzantine, Lehman Galleries Gallery views of The Costume Institute's spring 2018 exhibition, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, narrated by exhibition curator Andrew Bolton. The Costume Institute's spring 2018 exhibition features a dialogue between fashion and medieval art from The Met collection to examine fashion's ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism. The Byzantine galleries at The Met Fifth Avenue focus on designers who were inspired by the interiors of Byzantine churches, while the Medieval and Lehman galleries feature designs inspired by the holy ordering of the Catholic Church. #MetHeavenlyBodies https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2018/heavenly-bodies The exhibition is made possible by Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzman and Versace. Additional support is provided by Condé Nast. Credits: Director: Kate Farrell Producer: Melissa Bell Editor: Sarah Cowan Production Coordinator: Kaelan Burkett Jib and Steadicam: Kelly Richardson Additional Camera: Sarah Cowan Lighting Designer: Ned Hallick Gaffers: Foster McLaughlin, Christopher Yurnet Production Assistants: Bryan Martin, Kimberly Cionca Sebesanu Original Music: Austin Fisher © 2018 The Metropolitan Museum of Art