Looks worn by Donna Summer, Sarah Jessica Parker, BTS, and more on view
aespa’s ensembles for “Next Level” music video, 2024. © SM Entertainment.
This summer is a fashion-forward season at the MFA, with outfits, gowns, costumes, jewelry, and accessories on view throughout the Museum. See the story of fashion told throughout time and across continents: with objects spanning thousands of years—from a 4,000-year-old Egyptian broad collar necklace to contemporary cutting-edge K-fashion—there’s no end to the delight.
Pieces by Alexander McQueen, Bob Mackie, Elsa Peretti, and More On View in “Dress Up”
With more than 100 works of fashion and jewelry, many of them new MFA acquisitions, “Dress Up” explores adornment and the creation of a look. Discover how fashion and jewelry play an integral and inseparable role in the act of dressing up—from childhood to adulthood, fantasy to reality. Standout fashion and jewelry pieces from designers like Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, John Galliano, House of Lanvin, and Hattie Carnegie adorn the galleries next to performance outfits and other pieces worn by the likes of Donna Summer, Anna May Wong, and Sarah Jessica Parker. On view through September 2.
Bob Mackie, Woman's dress, 1980s. Gold lamé plain weave; fur; metal; plastic; silk chiffon plain weave. Gift of Yolanda of Yolanda Enterprises Inc. © Bob Mackie.
Jean Paul Gaultier and Mariko Kusumoto, Big in Japan ensemble, 2019. Silk organza. Museum purchase with funds donated by the Curators Circle: Fashion Council. © Mariko Kusumoto and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Alexander McQueen CBE, Woman's dress, 2000. Silk jersey, sequins. Helen B. Sweeney Fund. © Alexander McQueen.
Dress, designed by Valentino Garavani, about 2010. Polyamide nylon, tulle. William Francis Warden Fund.
Unidentified artist, dress, about 2000. Pongee silk. William Francis Warden Fund.
“Hallyu! The Korean Wave” Celebrates US Debut at the MFA
The first major exhibition to focus on South Korean pop culture and its worldwide influence, “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” contains approximately 250 objects that highlight Korea’s innovative contributions to art, cinema, drama, music, fashion, beauty, and technology. See stunning performance outfits from generations of K-pop idols, including BTS, BLACKPINK, aespa, and ATEEZ, alongside historical and contemporary examples of hanbok, Korea’s national costume. On view through July 28.
“Beyond Brilliance: Jewelry Highlights from the Collection” Opens in a Newly Renovated Gallery
Jewelry is one of the earliest art forms. With examples dating back more than 100,000 years, it helps tell complex stories about human history. This new installation in the recently renovated Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery features more than 150 objects, each with a unique story to tell. Explore ancient artifacts, fine jewelry, costume jewelry, and jewelry by contemporary artists, as well as five new acquisitions that have never been on view at the MFA. Don’t miss the Marjorie Merriweather Post brooch, 20th-century designs by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., and fashion jewelry by Chanel, Dior, and Elsa Peretti.
Unidentified artist, wesekh broadcollar, Egyptian, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 6, reign of Neferkara Pepy II, 2246–2152 BCE. Gold, steatite, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition.
View More Gallery Highlights
Dress to impress for your next visit and make sure you catch the broad scope of fashion on view at the MFA this summer. Learn more and get tickets today.
“Dress Up” is generously supported by Northern Trust.
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