The Costume Institute Presents “Impossible Conversations”

Aptly titled impossible conversations this year’s offering from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is a study of the similarities between the works of famed Italian designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. Garments and accessories from each designer are showcased in relation to the work of the other. In “Waist Up/ Waist Down” for example Prada’s affinity for skirts and shoes are showcased while Schiaparelli’s focuses on jackets and hats due to the restrictions of the time period in which she designed. 


The pieces showcased are elegant and radical. Those lucky enough to attend are able to view Schiaparelli’s famed trouser skirt that was nearly outlawed and Prada’s use of ironic materials that shocked the fashion world. Actress Judy Davis plays the deceased Schiaparelli in several short films that play throughout the exhibit making the attendee feel as if they are being afforded the opportunity to eavesdrop on a fantastic discussion between the two women (Prada plays herself). The best part of this exhibit is that it showcases a designer who isn’t a household name and the immense contributions that she made to the fashion industry. Anyone within the New York area should take the time to check it out before it closes it's doors on August 19^th.



 


Miuccia Prada Spring/summer 2000



Jackets by Elsa Schiaparelli Skirts by Miuccia Prada