Gothic Art and Fashion @ the Cloisters

The Met Cloisters specializes in European medieval architecture, sculpture and decorative arts with a focus on the Gothic and Romanesque periods. Located in Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan is a museum with medieval gardens and a series of chapels.Here in the Late Gothic Hall are altarpieces that were dismantled in Germany and Spain during the late 15^th and 16^th centuries. These altarpieces contextualize the fashions featured in this hall with several that were designed by Alexander McQueen. His family asked that we not photograph the couture, but it was definitely an experience to view such exquisite pieces.

{Above} Dolce & Gabbana
Gold silk tulle with gold Lurex, gold metal filigree with polychrome crystals.
This design was inspired buy the gilded stature of the Virgin Mary on the main spire of Milan’s cathedral known as the Madonnina. She was covered with a gray-green cloth on the eve of World War II to avoid providing an easy target for fighter bombers.

WEDDING ENSEMBLE, spring/summer 2018
Designed by Thom Browne
This dress has hundreds of white tulle ribbons that camouflage a unicorn across its surface in gold thread, and the Unicorn in Captivity tapestry hangs behind this piece.

Made of white silk organza, white nylon tulle, embroidered white silk thread, gold bullion, pearls, crystals, clear glass, and mother of pearl, white mink.House of Dior
Designer John Galliano
This dress features a portrait of the controversial Italian political statesman Niccolo Machiavelli from the title page of his influential treatise The Prince {1532}.

ENSEMBLE, spring/summer 2006 haute couture
Red and black rubber-coated cotton-linen twill embroidered with black silk thread and seed beads, black silk chiffon, and metal grommets.

Stay stylish,
K