The FIT Museum presents the exhibition 'Statement Sleeves'

The FIT Museum will debut a new exhibition on January 24 that explores the transformative power of statement cases.

The exhibition, curated by Colleen Hill, Curator of Costume and Accessories, will showcase nearly 80 fashion pieces from the museum's permanent collection, with most making their first public appearance. The collection features works by designers such as Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Schiaparelli and Vivienne Westwood.

The exhibition is organized thematically and aims to highlight the role of sleeves as a crucial mode of self-expression, reflecting specific gestures, movements and fashion eras. 'Statement Sleeves' also underline their importance as indicators of status, taste and personality.

The opening section, 'Fundamental Shapes', introduces visitors to common sleeve shapes such as the bell, bishop and raglan. Exposed pieces in black fabric allow for a unique focus on the sleeve shape.

'Opening Statements' explores decades with a penchant for elaborate sleeves, highlighting trends from the 1890s, 1930s and 1980s. In particular, the exhibition displays a 1980s Madame Grès dress with oversized draped sleeves alongside a dress from LaQuan Smith, which combines draping and puff sleeves for a contemporary silhouette.

'Puffs and Folds' delves into innovative shapes, including a 1920s brown silk evening set from Milgrim that features straight sleeves with ruffles of red printed fabric. The section transitions seamlessly into “Pleats and Ruffles,” which features a 1960s black minidress by Rudi Gernreich with long sleeves made from rows of ruffles.

'Embellishment and Adornment' features eye-catching styles, including a fall 1968 couture dress by Marc Bohan for Dior, with sleeves embroidered with feathers, sequins and beads. “Performance and Purpose” explores the functionality and adaptability of sleeves, focusing on a late 19th century coat designed to restrict arm movement and contemporary designs by Lucy Jones intended for wheelchair users.

The exhibition continues with 'Sheer and Split' Sleeves, featuring a circa 1830s dress with short, puffed sleeves wrapped in sheer chiffon and a Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 ensemble with full length-split and gathered sleeves in a fist.

The final section of the exhibition, 'Asymmetrical and Mismatched', features playful designs, including Stephen Burrows' colorful creations with contrasting sleeves and Christian Francis Roth's fall 1990 collection, which features a suit with one sleeve made of wool green emblazoned with the word 'Rothola'.

The exhibition is expected to be open until August 25, 2024.