Fashion and Costumes: Current Shows at FIT

One my favorite things in life is fashion. Logically, it spills over into an academic interest in costume history, and in New York, one of the best places to go and learn about it is the Museum at FIT. FIT puts on creative, modern exhibitions and has lots of seminars, conferences, and lectures that are for the most part, open to the public.

Currently on (and ending February 21st!) is Dark Glamour, which looks at fashion's role in creating the Gothic aesthetic. It features some great clothes, creative display, and a fantastic illustrated catalog. The show is curated by Dr. Valerie Steele, who can always be counted on for an interesting fashion experience.

The new exhibition, on now until June 16, 2009 is Seduction, which "examines the complex relationship between seduction and clothing, presenting a visual history of sexuality, moral standards, and social norms–-all observed through the prism of fashion." I haven't yet been to see it, but if the show's website is any indication, I'll enjoy it immensely. This show features historical fashion as well as modern clothes, and traces changing attitudes toward the female body in connection with seduction and fashion. Colleen Hill curates.

This weekend, the Museum at FIT has a special symposium on "Subculture and Style," and having been to some of their programs in the past, the speakers and presentations are always quite good. Here's the info:

Fashion Symposium
Subculture and Style
Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, 2009
Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Auditorium
Marvin Feldman Center (C building, 2nd floor)

In conjunction with the Gothic: Dark Glamour exhibition, the museum's seventh annual fashion symposium features designers, musicians, photographers, authors, and curators who will discuss fashion and subcultural style. Prices, registration, and speaker information are all available here.

Check out the museum's website for more information on location and opening hours, and some great online exhibitions for those of you not in New York!