Skip to content

Keyword

The Language of Fashion

Start Date 14 August 2020
End Date 31 October 2022
Venue The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
Location Hamburg, Germany
Curator Angelika Riley
Exhibition display of dressed mannequins

This exhibition sheds light on the significance of text for fashion products. The items on view are variously emblazoned with brand names or logos, political messages, typography or plays on words. Writing can be found in every conceivable place on dresses, trousers, coats and shirts.

Sometimes the letters splashed across the chest or back just can’t be big enough, and other times they almost disappear in the pattern repeat. And in some cases they wrap themselves around the body so circuitously that the message remains a mystery.

All objects on display come from MK&G’s own fashion collection, including more than 35 items from the 19th century until today by established designers such as Walter Van Beirendonck, Coco Chanel, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Martin Margiela and up-and-coming young designers such as Edda Gimnes and Flora Miranda Seierl.

Image courtesy of MK&G | © Photo: Henning Rogge