A Guide to Current and Recent Art Museum Fashion Exhibits

[Return to Virginia Postrel's article "Dress Sense," in the May 2007 issue. See "Art Museums in Fashion," a slideshow featuring images from the exhibits listed here.]

Poiret: King of Fashion
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
On display from May 9, 2007 through August 5, 2007

An exhibit showcasing the innovations of Paul Poiret (1879-1944), who called himself the "King of Fashion."

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After Dark: 100 Years of the Evening Dress
The Phoenix Art Museum

A recent exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum, chronicling the last 100 years of glamorous evening attire, with gowns by Chanel, Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Mainbocher, Charles James and others. Click here to see more photographs of the exhibit.

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Balenciaga and His Legacy
The Meadows Museum, Dallas
On display through May 27th, 2007.

An exhibition highlighting the legacy of 20th-century fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

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Nan Kempner: American Chic
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

A recent Costume Institute exhibit, showcasing the wardrobe of the late socialite Nan Kempner.

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Ralph Rucci: The Art of Weightlessness
The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
On display through April 14, 2007.

A retrospective of the work of fashion designer Ralph Rucci.

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She's Like a Rainbow
The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
On display through May 9, 2007.

An exhibition exploring the history, symbolism, science and psychology of color in fashion.

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Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A recent exhibit that featured runway garments from the spring and fall/winter collections of ten influential couturiers and designers