Artsy Ferret

Review: Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy at the Met, May 7 - Sept 1

Image via ShutterFerret

From May 7 - Sept 1 the Met presents a Superheroes exhibit, primarily sponsored by Giorgio Armani. This is primarily more for fashion design students than comic book fans. The exhibit has costumes from movies, such as Spiderman, Ironman, and Batman. It even has the Wonder Woman costume from the tv series. But surrounding the one costume are designs inspired by the movie or comic book character. 

Superhero Fashion Invades NY’s Met [Reuters]
Superheroes at the Met [NY Times]
Superhero Costumes in Fashion at the Met [Wired]
Met Exhibit Packs a Punch [AP] 
SuperStyles [Wall Street Journal]
MTV Hits High Society for Fancy ‘Superheros’ [MTV]  
Super-Duper Comic Relief at the Met’s Superheroes Show [Village Voice]

Image via Ruetgers

Upon entering the exhibition, you saw in the distance via visual illusion the Superman costume worn by the late Christopher Reeves, and then it would change into his mild mannered Clark Kent costume. The effect took away from being able to view the costume at a closer effect. Comic book fans who came specifically for this exhibit were disappointed. 

Image via MTV

Surrounding the costume from Spiderman and the grey costume from Spiderman 3, are creations and designs created by Christian Dior, mostly consisting of spiderwebbing draped over other fabrics taking the form of a dress. 

Image via MTV

From Batman Returns, Michelle Pfeiffer’s costume is worn on a mannequin sprawled out like the actress in the movie. The dresses surrounding her were “cat” inspired, but are lost on the on lookers. 

Image via NY Times

Ironman drew a lot of attention, simply because of the movie’s release. It is the silver version that was shown in the movie. It was surrounded by various creations inspired by the movie, most which are somewhat confusing. 

Image via Village Voice

For the Hulk, which is coming out soon, there was no Hulk costume. Instead there was a large Hulk image behind a glass and 3 designs which were very haute couture and lost on everyone who saw it. 

Image via Village Voice

Towards the end was Rebecca Romaijn’s costume from X-Men. It was the blue appliqué and prosthetics placed onto a mannequin, wig, and contacts. She rotated around to allow the view to see the detail that was placed into making this costume. 

Image via ShutterFerret

There was a mini gift shop selling the Superhero book which shows all the fashion creations exhibited as well as text and info about the designers and their inspiration. They also sold signed posters and other paraphernalia. 

Image via MTV

No photography was allowed in this exhibit. Though it seems the guards were flack in enforcing it, allowing some to take pictures and then not allowing others to. This exhibit falls flat for comic book fans. Its great to see the costumes used in the actual movie, but the other dresses and designs aren’t appreciated or cared for. Perhaps fashion design students will appreciate this exhibit more and understand the designs, inspirations and constructions behind them. Its not a very long or large exhibit and can easily be walked through in 10 minutes unless there is a specific costume there you want to see. But again no photography is allowed. 

Image via Village Voice

Check out the rest of the museum while you’re there. And remember that $20 is the suggested donation price. Please feel free to pay what you want. This exhibit is worthy for about $3.