Currently on display at the Museum of FIT is the exhibition “Force of Nature”. It explores the inspiration nature and science lends to fashion designers. The animals, weather, plants and foreign landscapes that were discovered in the 18th and 19th centuries inspired not only the scientists and writers of the day but the designers as well. Some designers took literal interpretations of nature while others simply referenced it. It also takes a look at how the fashion industry has made and is making changes that respect the environment.
Through the collection of garments, textiles, accessories and prints viewers can see how men and women’s fashion was and is inspired by nature. During the time of Enlightenment there was a surge of botanic gardens in society. This inspired designers to create textiles and fashions inspired by flowers. While the discovery of different animals also changed the way people used prints. In the wild animals use their spots to camofloufge themselves but designers use them in bold designs.
Animals like caterpillars and butterflies that have the ability of transformation which also inspire designers. Fashions that transformed women into flower or bird like forms are the result. The theory of attraction in the wild also stirred up new ideas for creators of the arts.
The Network of Nature
Naturalist and father of ecology Alexander von Humboldt realized how nature was intertwined with society. He also believed that an artists interpretation of nature was paramount in understanding it. Forms of diversity and creativity were created and inspired because of nature.

The mens vest consist of a print of coiled Ferns. Waistcoat circa 1870.



The hat is created with flexible feathers. Inspired by exotic birds.

The Botanic Garden
Enlightenment and the discovery of exotic plants in foreign lands introduced the creation of the botanic garden in Europe. The public became fascinated with the new plant life and were curious to learn more. The botanic garden was a place were all social classes could view these new discoveries. By the 19th century these gardens became known as laboratories for scientific discoveries as well as beautiful gardens.


The flowers are purposefully placed around the wearers face. Creating the feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Circa 1775 Women’s Robe a l’anglaise wool and linen dress with silk embroidery. Fabric designer Anna Maria Garthwaite was inspired by plants and was considered just as educated in natural sciences as her male counterparts.
Investigating Nature
The discovery and study of nature was intensive for people of the Victorian era. The use of cataloging and the organization of all findings was important. With the invention of the microscope naturalists like Ernst Haeckel and scientists educated and influenced the public and arts. Haeckel, also an artists created prints and art inspired by his discoveries.

Oscar de la Renta 1992. Inspired by coral reefs.
ThreeASFOUR :Dress 2016. Inspired by fractual patterns in nature.

Right: Christian Dior Spring 1954. This dress is inspired by the symmetry of organisms.
The Aviary
Birds symbolize transformation, freedom, honor and grace amoung other things. Throughout history they were used in art, literature and folklore in many cultures. While their feathers were seen as mysterious for people of the past, they are inspirational for today’s designers.

Horn of Plenty Collection. The pattern resembles feathers, while the bustle a tail.

Balenciaga evening dress 1967. Balenciaga minimalist style of the time is evident in the form of the dress while the ostrich feathers create an abstract element.

Metamorphosis
The discovery that caterpillars turned into butterflies was in 1830’s Chile by German naturalist Renous. Because he did not get a chance to unveil his findings he was arrested because people did not believe him. The butterflies were not seen as a natural transformation but a trick. The act of transformation and the ability of fashion to transform a person has inspired designers.

Butterflies were a surrealist symbol for deaths and transformation. As a surrealist designer Schiaparelli used metamorphosis to translate beauty emerging from the ordinary.
Right: Thierry Muglerr : Evening dress 1989. Mugler known as the “master of metamorphosis” created his 1989 collection based on the city of Atlantis and mermaids.

Into the Wild
The patterns that camouflage animals in the wild for their self preservation inspire designers to create bold prints that attract the eye. The exotic and at times sensual appeal of animal patterns come from ancient folklore.

Physical Forces
The study of nature and energy both in small particles and entire galaxies known as physics has inspired society and the arts. These studies lead to the creation of meteorology, astronomy, electromagnetism and many other fields of scientific study.

Right: Saks Fifth Ave cocktail dress 1953. The rhinestones on the dress imitate a galaxy of stars.
Behind: Rodler upholstery fabric 1928. This fabric used for the seats on an airplane showcases the theory of the Big Bang.
Fashioning a Future
In the past fashion was created with little to no knowledge or realization on how it was affecting nature. However over the years designers and fashion companies have begun to create sustainable fashion. Kering the parent company of the brands Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Puma and more has made it their mission to reduce the environmental impact their brands have. With guidance from the UN Sustainable Development Goals Kering has created reachable targets of positive global environmental and social impacts by 2025. With their three strategies of Care, Collaborate and Create these brands can change the way fashion is created. Among other streams of creativity and science these brands can care for the planet through cleaner supply chains. They can collaborate with craftsmen and leading universities that identify sustainable solutions. Lastly they can create using innovative technology like biotech.

The Last Explorer: Black Magic suit. The suits waterproof technology allows water to roll off the material like a ducks feathers.
Bolt threads necktie 2017. Made of synthetic spider silk, the first of its kind ever created. The first one created was given to Spider-Man creator Stan Lee.

J-Crew t-shirt, 2017. This shirt was created to raise awareness on the diminishing population of bees. Part of sales went to the Xerces Society an invertebrate conservation system.
The Science of Attraction
In 1859 Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species”. This controversial theory of evolution and his later work ” The Descent of Man” which focused on sexual selection and beauty influenced the arts. In the end one of his conclusions was that both animals and humans loved beauty.

Left: Commes des Garcons 1985. The hat is inspired by a nest created by weaver birds. These birds construct elaborate nests to attract female mates.

Halston Ensemble 1965.
Inspired by the Scarlet Tanager bird whose red communicates sexual desire to the female bird.

The Language of Flowers
During the 19th century books were published that explored the “language of flowers”. They surmised that specific species and colors held symbolic meanings. This influenced the exchange of different colored bouquets as coded meanings to and from lovers and couples. As a reproductive organ flowers also represented human sexuality.

Hand colored Irises were applied to the cut-work of the dress. Irises were a popular design in the Art Nouveau time period.

The petal like stole is meant to transform the wearer into a flower. Charles often thought of his clients as sensual flowers and believed fashion should evoke that emotion.
It was interesting to learn about all ways in which nature and science have influenced fashion. As we look at today’s fashion we don’t realize how influential nature has been. This exhibition is a great reminder of how much nature has and continues to inspire us. Stay tuned to my Instagram for more pictures throughout the week. Force of Nature is on display at the Museum at FIT through November 18th.
T.S.
Joleene Moody
July 10, 2017What an incredible display! It’s so fun to see all of the changes and cultures. We’ll have to find our way here sometime soon!
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017Yes the Museum at FIT is a smaller one but really shows you what’s happening in the industry in the future, now and in the past.
Magaly
July 10, 2017I never really thought about how much nature has inspired fashion… I can’t see this live but I loved being able to enjoy your pictures!
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017Thank you for reading! That is a driving force of my blog bringing NYC to people who can’t here.
michele
July 10, 2017Physical forces and that Stella McCartney ensemble! Wow! Thanks for bringing us along.
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017Thank You for reading! Isn’t that a great piece!
Jenna Colgrove
July 11, 2017what an interesting visit!! love this post!
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017Thank You!!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries
July 11, 2017This looks like an incredible show. This pieces are stunning!
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017They did a great job!
Delphine
July 11, 2017I love a costume museum! There is a fantastic one in Bath, in the south of England. If I go back to New York (which is now well overdue), I will make sure I visit this museum.
tabithas6493
July 12, 2017O that is something I have to see! Yes its a small one but they do great exhibitions!
Danay
July 15, 2017What an interesting exhibit. Thank you so much for bringing it to the masses from your point of view. I have to say that seeing Alexander McQueen’s work in the exhibit solidifies why I love his stuff.
tabithas6493
July 19, 2017I studied his work while I was in college a lot. I was very intrigued on his views of fashion and his ability to translate what happened in history or current through his work. Much of which took darker turns but were just as beautiful!
Fabiola Rodriguez
July 16, 2017What is most interesting to me here is the exhibit on sustainable fashion. We definitely need more of that!
tabithas6493
July 19, 2017Yes we do. I noticed we are still learning, but what’s out there so far is pretty cool!!
Marisa
July 18, 2017Wowm how awesome. I absolutely love vintage clothing. Its so amazing to see all the styles & fabrics. What a great experience ?
tabithas6493
July 19, 2017It is! I love looking at all the historical pieces, takes you back in time!