My parents came to visit me recently and I naturally took them to The Met (my favorite museum in NYC), but I had forgotten that the China wing was closed after the end of their summer fashion exhibit China – Through The Looking Glass. I had the opportunity to see this exhibit in May and loved it so much I went back again.
Initially I had feared that the theme of how China culture had influenced Western fashion would be a little cringe-worthy, cheesy or a pastiche turned out to be well curated and dramatic, displayed amongst the China section of the museum. It apparently ended up being in their top 5 exhibits for the Fashion Institute!
Among the various themes there was a calligraphy room featuring Chinese wall paintings and dresses by Coco Chanel which were inspired by the brush strokes. Not exactly accurate letterforms (!) but gorgeous dresses nonetheless. One day, I'll break out the chinese calligraphy brushes from my childhood and attempt to learn that again!
