Re-thinking Gender and Fashion Exhibitions in Contemporary Museums

Abstract

This article explores gender in contemporary museum exhibitions, with a focus on fashion exhibitions. It reveals how the concepts of gender and fashion are embodied through an analysis of museum fashion exhibitions, aiming to discuss issues pertinent to fashion and gender in contemporary museum exhibitions and explore the implications for museum development. To achieve the study purpose, it begins with an introduction to the relationship between fashion and gender and further discusses its representation in museums. The role that museums play in interpreting fashion, feminism and gender is therefore exemplified by exploring the functions and meanings of museums. Furthermore, using the V&A Museum as a case study, the paper examines how fashion and gender are interpreted through museum exhibitions and applied to exhibiting practices. Finally, by analyzing the impact of fashion and gender on museums, insights are gained into the role of museums in performing educational functions and developing collaborations on cross-border and innovative performance forms, which have implications for the development of museums.