Bata Shoe Museum brings shoe history to the internet masses

I just stumbled across the Bata Shoe Museum's website devoted completely to online exhibitions. The special section, called All About Shoes, is broken down into several topics, all featuring a close look at a certain section of shoe history.

A number of the online shows trace the history of shoes within specific cultural contexts, like American Indian, Japanese, and Alaskan Coastal cultures. Other shows trace thematic issues, like shoes in wedding traditions from around the world, and my personal favorite Heights of Fashion: History of the Elevated Foot takes a look at the history of stilettos, from the very first platform shoes.

Each exhibit features fantastic digital examples of each shoe type that you can zoom in on, as well as a wealth of information...possibly more than you could ever want to know about shoes in history. My only criticism is that they included Blahnik, but left out Louboutin. In any case, the Bata Shoe Museum gets my applause for their efforts in adapting their material for the internet audience.

Fall Fashion 2009: "Tudormania"

I love when fashion looks to history for inspiration, and the Fall 2009 collections were full of references to 16th century Tudor England. Dolce & Gabbana, who always show unique, often irreverent and slightly costume-y pieces, was the leader in the Tudor-style trend in their D&G line this year.

Gianfranco Ferré and even Chanel got in on the Tudor action, with high-necked, ruffle-collar shirts, and fabrics like rich silks and brocades. Lacroix showed major jewels, with long gold necklaces piled over high-necked black dresses.

Interesting though, this revival of Henry VIII as a handsome, badass, savvy king with great style.

New Exhibition: Medievalism, Fashion's Romance with the Middle Ages

I love the idea for this exhibition because it brings together two of my very favorite things: fashion and the middle ages.

The Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery and Orme Lewis Gallery at the Phoenix Museum of Art will open the show Medievalism: Fashion's Romance with the Middle Ages on February 21st. The show will feature over 40 ensembles as well as accessories and books that evoke the textures and lines of the medieval, or "Gothic" style associated with the Middle Ages.

While the premise of the show seems somewhat romantic at first glance, it will also treat the history of the revival of Gothic style in the mid-19th century, and how the medieval aesthetic affects today's fashion and media as well.

Murals based on the 15th-century Unicorn tapestries in the collection of the Musée National du Moyen Age, Paris, and a painted stained glass window created by set designer Michael Sims will provide the appropriately medieval backdrop for the show.

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!