The Metropolitan Museum of Art: China: Through the Looking Glass

On Monday I attended the press preview of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibition,  "China Through the Looking Glass,".  At the preview, Director of the Museum, Thomas Campbell,  Chairman of the Department of Art, Mike Hearn, Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer and, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, and famed Hong Kong director and Artistic Director of the exhibition, Wong Kar Wai, gave opening remarks.  Also in attendance were Anna Wintour, financier Silas Chou, Wendi Murdoch, and designer Vivienne Tam.

L to R (Top: Thomas Campell, Anna Wintour, Silas Chou, Wendi Murdoch, Wong Kar-Wai, Bottom: Mike Hearn, Marissa Mayer, Andrew Bolton)

The exhibition in one of the biggest undertaken by the museum, displaying 150 haute couture dresses, gowns, costumes and accessories from 40 designers alongside Chinese art,costumes, paintings, porcelains, and other art, including films.  It explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion, and how China has fueled the fashionable imagination for centuries.  The exhibition runs from May 7 to Aug. 16.  



The exhibition was so immense, I was a bit overwhelmed, but plan on returning to the Met to see the art and fashion at a more leisurely pace.  One of my favorite rooms was the Blue Porcelain room with designs influenced by traditional blue and white Chinese porcelain.

The Blue Porcelain Room: Gown by Designer Guo Pei ( designed Rihanna's yellow gown for Met Gala), ( photo with Guo Pei 2013)

Another favorite was the Astor Court which features a thematic vignette dedicated to Chinese opera, focusing on John Galliano’s spring 2003 Christian Dior Haute Couture Collection.  Two gowns designed by Martin Margiela using vintage Chinese opera costumes were a highlight.  

 Cinema plays a big role in Western understanding of the richness of Chinese history.  One of the galleries exhibits a group of cheongsam also know as qipao, considered the traditional dress of China.  Video clips of Maggie Cheung wearing colorful qipaos from the movie "In the Mood for Love" provide visual and audio ambience perfect for this exhibit.

Screenshot of Maggie Cheung dressed in one of the many colorful cheongsams in the film "In the Mood for Love" directed by Wong Kar-Wai.

Chinese Cheongsam 1932

In the Chinese Galleries, Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress was the center of attention.  Wong was a pioneer for Asian-American actors and one of the few actors in general to transition from silent to talking films.

Anna May Wong Christian Dior Evening Gown

Christian Dior Gown

Left: Alexander McQueen Dress in silk.

SOFA - The International Exhibition of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art

I stopped by the SOFA (Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) Art and design show which is taking place at the Park Avenue Armory on 67th St for a press preview.  There are over 20 booths showcasing whimsical sculptures, furniture, and fantastic jewelry!  I had a hard time tearing myself away from a booth that featured silicon/silk jewelry created by French designer Tzuri Gheta, who creates pieces that have been worn during runway shows for couture designers like Christian Lacroix, Chanel, and Balenciaga.  Another booth that caught my attention was the Ornamentum Gallery which featured some amazing emerging artists from around the world, including Yong Joo Kim's velcro jewelry, and elaborate handmade pieces by Swedish Designer Hanna Hedman.  The show ends on Monday April 23rd and is a must-see for art and design lovers!

Clutch designed by Tzuri Gheta

Love these earrings by Tzuri Gheta

I couldn't resist trying on this gorgeous red "coral" (actually silicon/silk) piece by Tzuri Gheta

A Tzuri Gheta piece was featured during a Balenciaga show

Pieces by Swedish designer Hanna Hedman

Designer Yong Joo Kim with her eyecatching pieces made from velcro (in gray and black).