Fashion Meets Art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Upcoming "Costume Art" Exhibit
By Jocelyn Noveck
AP National Writer
If there’s one theme that has consistently resonated through the blockbuster fashion exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it’s the profound connection of fashion as an art form. This notion will be taken to greater lengths with the announcement of "Costume Art," a forthcoming exhibition set to debut at the museum’s Costume Institute in 2026, launched by the glitzy Met Gala.
An Artistic Journey Through Fashion
Max Hollein, CEO and director of the Met, envisions "Costume Art" as an engaging journey through art history, allowing visitors to explore the significant links between fashion and various art forms. Hollein expresses a hope that attendees will walk away with a newfound appreciation for how fashion interacts with different mediums throughout the museum’s expansive collection.
“It’s a show that can really live in fascinating ways at the museum,” Hollein noted, highlighting the potential for the exhibition to draw connections across paintings, sculptures, and drawings. His assertion that “fashion is art” resonates powerfully, inviting museum-goers to experience the intrinsic artistic qualities embodied within garments.
Thematic Exploration of the Dressed Body
Curated by Andrew Bolton, "Costume Art" will delve into the concept of the dressed body and is organized into thematic sections. Themes will cover a spectrum of body types, including the "Naked Body," "Classical Body," "Pregnant Body," and even the "Aging Body." These segments aim to prompt conversations about beauty standards and the representation of diverse body types in the world of fashion.
“Curators aim to create connections that encompass everything from the formal to the conceptual and the aesthetic to the political,” stated Bolton. The exhibit will not only engage visitors visually but will prompt deeper considerations around individual and collective experiences through fashion.
Artistic Pairings: Fashion and Historical Art
One of the most exciting aspects of this exhibition is the intention to pair garments with historical artworks, enhancing the narrative surrounding each piece. A compelling example includes a 1504 print by German artist Albrecht Dürer alongside modern spandex bodysuits designed by Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck. This pairing, drawn from Van Beirendonck’s 2009 collection, cleverly revisits the story of Adam and Eve, bridging centuries of artistic expression.
Such pairings aim to facilitate a dialogue between tradition and contemporary fashion, demonstrating how themes of human experience are timeless and universal.
The Importance of Representation in Fashion
Misty Copeland, the renowned ballerina and trailblazer, graced the announcement with her presence. As the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, her remarks underscored the essential dialogue about body image and representation in both fashion and dance.
Copeland emphasized the tension between traditional "ideal" body types—often thin, white, and female—and the diverse realities of dancers like herself. She spoke poignantly about her journey to redefine beauty within the ballet community, asserting the value and dignity of her own body and those of many overlooked Black and brown dancers.
A New Home for Fashion at the Met
"Costume Art" will find its home in a newly dedicated gallery space that spans approximately 12,000 square feet, situated conveniently near the museum’s Great Hall. This significant expansion aims to enhance visitor experience; past exhibitions have suffered from long lines that could impede the flow of foot traffic through other galleries.
The new Conde M. Nast galleries, formerly a retail space, will become a centerpiece for future Costume Institute exhibits and diverse shows, ensuring fashion receives the recognition it deserves within the realm of contemporary culture.
Anticipation for the Exhibit
The exhibition is set to open to the public on May 10, 2026, and will remain on display until January 10, 2027. As fashion enthusiasts and A-list celebrities prepare for the Met Gala, they will be mere footsteps away from this innovative exhibit. The gala’s excitement will seamlessly transition to an exploration of art and fashion for guests eager to delve deeper into the connections being forged.
Through "Costume Art," the Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to transform the landscape of fashion exhibitions, proving once more that fashion is not merely clothing but a vital expression of art and culture.