NEW YORK MET: Fashion Exhibition/Costume Department

I really enjoyed going through this exhibit in New York, we went in the last hour of it being open so it was fairly quiet so i managed to walk around and take a few photos. There was all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff from some big names such as Versace, Tom ford, Jean Paul Gaultier and many more. I thought it was very clever the way as you walked in there was an original blue ball gown from 1738 by Robe Violante, and as you continue around the exhibit times go on and as does the fashion. You see dresses through the ages, as well as children and menswear too. All with their own description and background, age and creator. Being a big Mariyln Monroe fan, thats exactly who i was reminded of by two dresses in particular by Charles James. Right in the middle of the exhibit, two classic figure hugging pieces that to me felt timeless. This sort of style is one i have always been fond of, the Cream one in particular. "La Sirene" evening dress, which Charles James reworked over a period of almost twenty years, named after the Greek goddess Sirens whose seductive singing is said to lure sailors to shipwreck. The title relates to the gowns own alluring shape, formed by horizontal release tucks that allow it to cleave to the body's curves. This style was commonly known as 'The Lobster Dress' due to the series of tucks almost suggesting the appearance of a segmented crustacean. The influence of surrealism is evident in this dress, the reference is both sensual and playful. Also very flattering and empowering to the woman who wears it.