6 BEST 2021 EXHIBITS

BY: Andy Shoulders

With the pandemic having turned nearly every in-person event digital, it seemed that designer exhibitions would become a thing of the past.  Luckily for us, artists and designers persisted, and whether virtual or in-person with increased safety measures, several exhibitions remain must-sees.  Let’s take a closer look at six exhibitions that should be on your radar this year.

“COUTURISSIME”

We first reported about designer Thierry Mugler’s breathtaking exhibition “Couturissime” back in March of 2019, but it’s just too good to not mention again.  In a world first for Mugler, his work was honored with a solo exhibition that opened at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on March 2, 2019.  Spanning from his famous La Chimère collection to his recent futuristic robo-gal, the exhibit is split into six “acts.”  Each act focuses on different aspects of his designs, whether it be his work with insects (Act V) or his focus on glamazons (Act IV).  Never before has Mugler’s work been put on display so comprehensively, and it’s quite refreshing (especially now, in today’s volatile sociopolitical climate) to escape reality for awhile and appreciate a designer who isn’t necessarily bound by the laws of wearability.

“AMERICA 1970s/80s”

In an era when overt sexuality was considered crude, German fashion photographer Helmut Newton had no problem sexing up glossy magazines.  The aptly-titled “America 1970s/80s” exhibition is being showcased at Berlin’s Helmut Newton Foundation – Museum for Photography until May 16, and celebrates all things beefcake culture:  think California babes, the dudes who pump iron for them, and a myriad of Hollywood celebs.  In addition to Newton, you can also see photos by Evelyn Hofler, Sheila Metzner, and Joel Meyerowitz.

“FEMININE SINGULAR”

Known as Yves Saint Laurent’s “female double,” fashion icon and YSL muse Betty Catroux is being given her own exhibition at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.  All of the pieces displayed within the exhibit come from Catroux’s personal wardrobe, generously donated by Catroux to the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent.  YSL Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello was given complete creative control over the exhibition and selected the pieces that best revealed her unique personality.  Around fifty designs show just how strongly Catroux embodied Saint Laurent’s physical ideal – as Saint Laurent himself said about Catroux in 1968:  “She’s perfect in my clothes.  Just what I like: long, long, long.”

“ALAÏA AND BALENCIAGA”

Rare is the fashion exhibition that features two designers simultaneously, but the “Alaïa and Balenciaga” show in Paris, featuring the works of master designers Azzedine Alaïa and Cristóbal Balenciaga, is one that truly stands out as a must-see.  Both designers have an unmatched mastery in their execution of form and lines on the body, which is evident in their stitching and oh-so-subtle folds.  The two designers are also linked by the word “architect” – the term has been used to describe both men’s craftsmanship and technique.  Their new joint exhibition at the Azzedine Alaïa Gallery in Paris brings the two designers’ creations face to face, and starts a welcome conversation between two true masters of design.

THE MODE MUSEUM RE-OPENING

Most people outside of the fashion world don’t associate Belgium with fashion, but its capital city of Antwerp is quite a world-class fashion history hub.  Avant-garde designer Dries Van Noten, as well as other well-known names like Haider Ackermann and Raf Simons all hail from Belgium and are associated in one way or another with its famed fashion school – the Antwerp Fashion Academy.  After a massive renovation, The Mode Museum will be re-opening on September 4th with an expanded library and archive boasting over 30,000 items.  There will also be a new exhibition space dedicated to the history of Belgian fashion, featuring many of the country’s most well-known names in fashion, including a designer with an exhibition that we’re about to discuss next.

“MARTIN MARGIELA”

Belgian creative genius Martin Margiela has always been sort of an enigma, but now he’s taken back the spotlight with his first solo exhibition outing as an artist.  Although his designs have been given plenty of stage time throughout the years, Margiela has never featured his artwork in its own show until now.  Aptly titled “Martin Margiela,” the exhibit will feature a variety of sculptures, photographs, and installations that are completely separate from the fashion world Margiela himself helped redefine.  Held at Paris’ Lafayette Anticipations, this show gives Margiela fans a chance to appreciate a completely different side of the designer they might otherwise never have known.