Ever think about how much or how little fashion has changed over time? Or have you ever watched a historically based show, perhaps one like Bridgerton, Outlander, or Cable Girls, ( all of which are on Netflix) and think “I’d wear that, or something similar now!” Well, I certainly have. Fashion moves in cycles, everything that was old will be new again or is already reinvented. The past influences our fashion decisions, whether we realize it or not.
Sometimes the decisions we make within our wardrobe are because we’re feeling nostalgic, other times because we’re trying to push the boundaries of what can be, or maybe we mix pieces from all points in time because we want to experiment with the past, present and future simultaneously. Fashion and time are intertwined, feeding off each other and reflecting back at us through the changes of both. For example when we think of 90’s we think of jelly sandals, butterfly hair clips, scrunchies, etc. And when we see these items re-invented now in 2021, those of us old enough think of our childhood or teen years in the ’90s, are instantly transported to the years of Tamagotchi. Click pictures to enlarge.
The fashion featured in About Time: Fashion and Duration gives us a look into how different designers have been inspired by the fashion of the past. The differences and similarities clearly shown in the silhouettes as they stand next to each other. The exhibition showcases 150 years of fashion celebrating THE MET”s 150th anniversary.
Whatever the changes in our clothing, what we wear tells a story about time, that of the current time in history, the past, or the future. A future in which one day the people of that time, may be able to look upon the fashions of our day and learn a little about us.
Clock One (The Black Room): Pieces on the left are those of the past, pieces on the right are those of the most recent years. Years 1870-2013.
Clock Two (The White Room): Pieces on the right are those of the past, pieces on the left are those of the most recent years. Years 1958-2018.
2020
As you walk through the rooms the sounds of a clock and readings from different literary and movie passages referring to time are heard. Each room includes 60 ensembles, for 60 minutes. Each one of the 1-60 minutes showcases two pieces, one of the present (or most recent) and one of the past. The mix of past and present garments symbolize the way time is continuously in fluidity, constantly pushing forward, but also refers to the past all at once. What were your favorite pieces in the exhibit? Those in the past, or those of today? Let me know in the comments!
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What do you think?