Fashionistas and all those that love the history of design enjoy regular visits to The Museum at FIT, the free galleries located at the college’s campus on 7th Avenue at 27th Street. And the current exhibits couldn’t be better.
Fresh Fly and Fabulous – 50 Years of Hip Hop Style is now being showcased in the spacious Special Exhibition Gallery through April 23. Located downstairs at the museum, it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip hop and should not be missed.
While hip hop is widely considered a music genre, its influence on fashion is undeniable. Clothing that has its roots in hip hop is considered mainstream and has been created by top designers. All American brands like Ralph Lauren along with European luxury houses such as Gucci and Versace have brought hip hop fashion to their customers.
People often associate hip hop fashion to baggy jeans, oversized tee-shirts, bling jewelry, and sneakers. While this look became popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s, there are so many more functional pieces that are a part of the overall style such as basketball jerseys, colorful dress shoes, jackets, sweat clothing and more. The FIT exhibit does a great job of bringing attention to the wide variety of styles that represent hip hop, including pieces that highlight the Black Lives Matter movement.
There are hundreds of pieces on display at Fresh Fly and Fabulous – 50 Years of Hip Hop Style. The displays are colorful, informative, and wonderfully curated by Elena Romero and Elizabeth Way.
The Museum at FIT also has a current exhibit in the Fashion and History Textile Gallery, Designing Women – Fashion Creators and Their Interiors on display through May 14. Women have contributed to fashion and design for hundreds of years.
Beginning in the late nineteenth century, an increasing number of women founded couture houses in Paris, London and New York City. And with approximately 70 garments wonderfully displayed, you’ll appreciate the evolution of design and the remarkable range of ingenuity. Influential creators over the years include Jeanne Paquin, Lucile, Jeanne Lanvin, Madeleine Vionnet, Pauline Potter also known as Baroness Pauline de Rothschild and many more.
While you’re on the block, be sure to stop by the exhibit that is right next door where the talented students of FIT present works with hip-hop themes from their respective majors.
Photo Credit: Marina P. Kennedy
