While many come to New York City to be entertained, we have culture too. At the Museum at FIT you can tap into the creative DNA of NYC's fashion culture.
New York City is the epicenter of fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is widely recognized as one of the leading universities in the field. The Museum at FIT (MFIT) attracts visitors from all over the world and is a platform for FIT students to express themselves. Its exhibitions offer an opportunity to see what was historically fashionable and what may one day come to be fashion forward.
Earlier this year I saw All that Glitters. This collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies explores the influence of synthetic threads and fabric that were introduced in the post World War II era. The shimmering, sparkling qualities of precious metals and minerals were made widely accessible thanks to this new textile technology. The exhibition also portrays how these modern materials affect society and culture.
I also saw Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities. During the Age of Exploration cabinets of curiosity emerged to become the forerunners of today's museums. The exhibition featured apparel and accessories that were inspired by the eclectic esoteria found inside them - all curated from the MFIT's permanent collection. I guess because I'm so curious myself, Fashioning Wonder was especially memorable.
I'm sure I'll visit MFIT again soon - or even take another continuing education course at FIT. It's free and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. Your experience there will no doubt alter how you shop when you get back home.