The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion

Written by Frankie Brown, for StyleMe

An exhilarating exhibit that combines images, videos and classic couture, “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” depicts the evolution of fashion and models from 1947 through 1997. Primarily sponsored by Marc Jacobs, the exhibition is equal parts informative and interesting, providing background information on the numerous models who both defined and redefined their eras.

Perhaps most appealing is the exhibits examination of the question, “What is beauty?” While evaluating both conventional and nonconventional beauty, the answer becomes clear— beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Yves Saint Laurent, Paris (French, founded 1962), Yves Saint Laurent (French, b. Algeria, 1936–2008) Dress, fall/winter 1965–1966

Beginning with the 1950s we see fashion as a social standing, the models were in fact selling what they were wearing, the focus was on the clothes; you too could be this glamourous if you owned the dress. While the models were beautiful, it was the clothes that made them so. Therefor, the look was achievable.

And like anything else, as fashion evolved the model did too. Twiggy, unquestionably the face of the 1960s, launched the idea that not only did the clothes make you fabulous, but so did your look. Once “Supermodels” arrived during the 1980s and 1990s, fashion no longer was solely about the clothes, but instead included the model in the clothes.

Bert Stern (American, b. 1929)
Twiggy in Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, March 15, 1967

It was those models who knew no boundaries and were willing to adapt and believe in the designers ever-changing visions that really helped to achieve the “fashion forward” and artistic feel fashion has today. Essentially, models evolved their bodies into canvases for fashion, and women all over the world became obsessed with the idea of the “perfect look.” While some view this as a negative, it is this writer’s opinion, that without this new ideal, fashion would fall flat. The model of today embodies all that is beautiful, not only because of her look, but because the designers can use her body to portray their creations in the best light possible.

While devouring the different approaches fashion, designers, and models have taken over the years, “The Model As Muse..” is definitely worth an afternoon’s descry. This exhibition runs until August 9th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in the Tisch Galleries, 2nd floor.