Museum Quality: The Rise of the Fashion Exhibition

Abstract

This article surveys the history of museum fashion exhibitions, and explores some of the reasons why they have so often been controversial. Issues such as corporate sponsorship, curatorial independence, and historical accuracy are analyzed in connection with a range of exhibitions. In particular, the article considers the influence of Diana Vreeland's exhibitions at the Costume Institute and the issues that are raised when an exhibition is devoted to a single famous designer, such as Armani, Versace, or Vivienne Westwood.