Met Museum Costumes Collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute exhibition is the most spectacular event of its kind. With subjects that both reflect the zeitgeist and contribute to its creation, each exhibi­tion—from 2005’s Chanel, to 2011’s Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and 2013’s Punk—creates a provocative and engaging narrative attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. The show’s opening-night gala, produced in collaboration with Vogue magazine and attended by the likes of Be... [Read More]

Pulled from the rich collection of the Costume Institute at The Met, each day features a stunning piece from every corner of the world throughout the centuries. From sumptuous 18th-century gowns to contemporary couture ensembles by renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior, from elaborate footwear by Ferragamo and Robert Vivier to dazzling jewelry, this 2019 calendar highlights hundreds of years’ worth of glamour, beauty, and style.  ... [Read More]

An unprecedented look behind the scenes of two of New York's premier cultural events, THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY follows the creation of "China: Through The Looking Glass," the most attended fashion exhibition in the history of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the 2015 Met Gala, the star-studded fundraiser. Follow Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and Met Gala chair, and Andrew Bolton, the curator who conceived the groundbreaking show, as they prepare for a... [Read More]

Presenting outstanding costumes and insightful texts about one of the greatest private collections of 20th-century fashion This handsome volume explores the modern discipline of fashion collecting, presenting remarkable works from one of the greatest private collection of 20th-century costume. This group of clothing and accessories, assembled over several decades by Sandy Schreier, includes many rare and historically significant pieces that define key moments in fashion. Her collection features... [Read More]

A fresh exploration of Native American art that positions the work within the broader context of North American art history This landmark publication presents Native American art within the broader context of American art history, through an examination of notable works from a major private collection. The insightful texts provide a new evaluation of the art, culture, and daily life of numerous North American tribes, including Acoma, Apache, Cheyenne, Creek, Crow, Hopi-Twea, Kiowa, Lakota, Pomo,... [Read More]

Carpets made in the “Rug Belt”―an area that includes Morocco, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and northern India―have been a source of fascination and collecting since the 13th century. This engaging and accessible book explores the history, design techniques, materials, craftsmanship, and socioeconomic contexts of these works, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of these frequently misunderstood pieces. Fifty-five examples of Islamic carpets are illustrated wi... [Read More]

Although separated by time, Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli—both Italian, both feminists—share striking affinities in terms of their design strategies and fashion manifestoes. Presented as an intimate "conversation," Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations aims to tease out formal and conceptual similarities between the two designers. Striking photographs and insightful texts illustrate the parallels between the two, including their preferences for interesting textiles and pr... [Read More]

A brilliant exploration of fashion’s complex engagement with the great art and artifacts of Catholic faith and practice Since antiquity, religious beliefs and practices have inspired many of the masterworks of art. These works of art have, in turn, fueled the imagination of fashion designers in the 20th and 21st centuries, yielding some of the most innovative creations in costume history. Connecting significant religious art and artifacts to their sartorial expressions, Heavenly Bodies: Fashio... [Read More]

Admire the nationally famous collection of first ladies' gowns and learn about the contributions made by the women who wore themThe Smithsonian First Ladies Collection is a beautifully illustrated book inspired by one of the most popular attractions at the Smithsonian: the first ladies exhibit at the National Museum of American History. This striking book showcases the treasures from first ladies throughout history, ranging from Martha Washington's silk dress and dressing mirror to Michelle Obam... [Read More]