The MET Exhibit China Through The Looking Glass

The MET Exhibit China Through The Looking Glass

As you all know, from last weeks blog story, I had a wonderful time with my son during our recent trip to NYC. As I mentioned then one of the highlights of the trip for me, was to see the “China Through The Looking Glass” exhibit at the Met. This exhibit which opened in May and runs until August 16th, is huge and it was unfortunately very difficult to see all of it, let alone write about it especially when I was walking it with an 18 year old young man who is interested in fashion but not to this level. He was my photographer for the trip and even though he tried, it was very difficult to get good quality pictures inside because of the different levels of lighting and with it being so dark inside in some areas. Nevertheless I wanted to share our pictures with you and tell you if you are going to be in NYC this summer make sure you visit this exhibit as it is well worth seeing especially close up and in person.

The show is named after Lewis Carroll’s novel and it focuses on the wide-reaching influence that Chinese art and film have had on western fashion. The show is not about China according to Andrew Bolton, the curator at the Met, its about the collective fantasy of China and how it is represented in western culture, primarily fashion and cinema. This exhibit comprises of over 140 high-fashion pieces from Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and more – all placed alongside their one of a kind Chinese inspirations.

Over the years, many designers have based entire collections on Chinese culture, including YSL’s fall/winter 1977 couture collection and his launch of the “Opium” fragrance. Another example is Valentino’s all red Shanghai collection from 2013, both of which are partly displayed at this exhibit. There are also some beautiful intricate Beijing opera and kabuki inspired pieces by Maison Martin Margiela and John Galliano for Dior on display in a pool of water, which I thought were so amazing.

Going even further back, Chinese export silks and wallpapers were a source of inspiration for Cristobal Balenciaga throughout the 50’s and 60’s. Also blue and white porcelain pieces have been used in many designer works including Rodarte, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Roberto Cavalli some of which are on display as well.

Below you can see some of our photos and a video about the exhibit. As I said our photos do not do justice to this exhibit and how beautiful the pieces are but at least you can get an idea of what we experienced.

I hope you enjoy them and I would love to know if anyone else has seen this exhibit?

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (4)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (3)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (12)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (2)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (5)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (8)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (7)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (9)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (11)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (10)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (13)

Jacket-Society-MET-Exhibit-China-Through-The-Looking-Glass (6)

Linking up with

Comments

28 responses to “The MET Exhibit China Through The Looking Glass”

  1. Anna Shirley Avatar

    This should be the amazing exhibition. I wish I could see it in person.

    Anna
    http://www.newskinyme.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Anna,
      It truly was, thanks for stopping by.

  2. My Midlife Fashion Avatar

    Wow what a fantastic exhibtion Nora that first dress is just stunning.
    Jane xx

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Jane,
      It certainly was, I am so glad I saw it. Thanks for stopping by.

  3. Pam@over50feeling40 Avatar

    Oh how I wish I could see it for myself. Thanks for sharing it with us, Jill. These pictures are stunning.

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Pam,
      Thank you so much for stopping by.

  4. Beth Avatar

    Amazing! I saw this exhibit last month….your pictures are beautiful!

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Beth,
      I am so glad you saw it! Thanks for stopping by.

  5. Shaira Manalo Avatar

    All I can say is WOW! You already got me from the first picture!!! <333

    Have a nice day! 🙂

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Shaira,
      Thank you so much, it was really beautiful to see.

  6. Susan Avatar

    What a gorgeous exhibit! There is so much to do in new York that you need a month to do it all! Susan

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Susan,
      I totally agree, there is never enough time, but I am glad we got to see this. Thanks for stopping by.

  7. Jill Avatar

    Oh I wish I could see this in person! What amazing exhibit!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Jill,
      It sure was…thanks for stopping by.

  8. Anna D Kart Avatar

    I love all the unique pieces! So much art, history and character

    Happy Medley

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Anna,
      Yes they were, it was well worth seeing. Thank you for stopping by.

  9. Sandy a la Mode Avatar

    WOW! it looks amazing!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Sandy,
      Yes it was…thanks for stopping by.

  10. ahhhsoneo Avatar

    Everything looks absolutely stunning! I’m hoping to make it to the exhibit before the summer ends!
    http://ahhhsoneo.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Yes it is a beautiful exhibit, make sure to catch it before it ends. Thanks for stopping by.

  11. Nicole Mölders (@HighLatitudeSty) Avatar

    Thanks 4 linking up to Top of the World Style. I wonder how women are supposed to sit with some of these designs. LOL

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Nicole,
      That is a very good question and unfortunately I dont know the answer 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

  12. Akaleistar Avatar

    What a gorgeous exhibit!

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Yes it was, thanks for stopping by.

  13. Happiness at Mid Life Avatar

    What an amazing exhibit to see in person!

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Alice,
      Yes it sure was, thanks for stopping by.

  14. […] last year when I was in New York with my son and wrote a blog story about it which you can see here.  It was one of the most beautiful exhibits I have ever been to. To be able to see these gowns up […]

  15. […] last year when I was in New York with my son and wrote a blog story about it which you can see here.  It was one of the most beautiful exhibits I have ever been to. To be able to see these gowns up […]

Leave a Reply to Jill Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.