Ways of Seeing: Fashion

What is fashion? The dictionary defines it as a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament. But, what is it really and what does it mean to us? Everyone deals with fashion in some way everyday. Even people who say they don’t care about fashion choose what they wear and how they wear it. And whether they know it or not, these choices say a lot about them. 

Fashion reveals who we are. It is affected by politics, religion, culture, social norms, and body type. It can cause us to be included or excluded. It prompts us to conform and it celebrates diversity. It reinforces stereotypes and allows us to play different roles. The Italian designer Miuccia Prada once said, “What you wear is how you present yourself to the world… Fashion is instant language.” This language of fashion says many things without us ever having to say anything at all. Let’s explore. 

Ways of Seeing is a series of six consecutive exhibitions in the Bohorfoush Gallery that explore themes, perspectives, and ideas from across the Museum’s global art collections.