PUNK: Chaos to Couture at the Met

[Shucks]

at least abbey lee kershaw stuck her neck out a bit...

[Lane]

thats a quality photograph

[pseudonym]

E - Seriously, fantastic review.


I understand the point of view by some of the 'disapproving' members, if I may refer to them with that term - there are some strong points ranging from anti-culture and rebellion to commercialism.
...and in the context of the opinions, I cannot say I disagree.

I had a bit of a different takeaway from the exhibit after attending. To me, this exhibit is how the PUNK movement inspired fashion designers, not fashion in general. PUNK influenced fashion designers with a range of techniques in deconstructing, sexuality, and edgy accents - amongst others - and it was well portrayed from within the curated pieces.
In many cases what's featured is not what the designers tried to capitalize on commercially; It was pieces directly from runway shows that the large majority of people (even within the fashion industry) have never seen.

I think this from the SZ review nails it for me within the context of the discussion above: "Disregard the cognitive dissonance and you realize you are looking at a pretty fantastic collection of fashion."

Lets not forget why museums exist, and in my opinion are great:
1) They pay tribute to who/what/when deserves recognition - whether it be a person, a concept, or a period of time.
As reviewed, there arguably is some content that is missing by some designers, but what is there really comes together brilliantly. And the tribute is truly the designers and the pieces - with a nod to those in the music industry that really fueled the movement and influence.


2) They inform society of who/what/when in a 'real' environment.
So often in our 'tech-age' I think we can take it for granted that everything is on the net, and lose sight of the benefit of experiencing anything in actual form.
This goes back to bullet #1, even if people have seen pics from a runway show, it is experiencing the talent of these designers on a whole new level to see the garments in person.


Personally, I was unable to experience first hand what the PUNK movement was in the 70s as I was not born yet. I would say I am reasonably well educated through previous research on the period - especially as it relates to the music industry - however this exhibit was still extremely educational for me.

Not gonna lie, I was imagining of a dozen guys running through the exibit spraypainting and slashing everything while spitting, punching, kicking screaming. But I was glad this stayed only a thought.

As stated, I thought it was brilliantly curated.


Shucks, that's an awesome photo!

[Faust]

Thank you - I am glad we are in agreement.

[DamageX]

Thanks for the wonderful review of the show Faust. I did get a chance to see it briefly and I did enjoy it and would love to go back and see it.

While there is a photo, I noticed you didn't mention Thom Browne in the review, I was wondering what your thoughts were on his interpretation?

[Faust]

Sorry for the late reply! You are welcome.

I couldn't quite put TB into context there. The garments were fine, but as many others wouldn't be my choice. Although these days TB is more punk than anything else in NYC by two miles.

He's also the curator's boyfriend, but I'd rather not go there.