China Through The Looking Glass

Guo Pei Gold Dress at China Through The Looking Glass

I can't believe that it's taken almost four months since I wrote about the fashions at this year's Met Gala to actually make it to see China: Through The Looking Glass at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition which is a collaboration between the Costume Institute and Department of Asian Art opened on May 7 and was originally supposed to run until August 16 but due to popular demand it was extended through September 7. It was just reported in the New York Times that as of last Friday, the show had a record attendance of 735,000 visitors surpassing the record of 661,509 for Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (another incredible show!). 

China: Through The Looking Glass showcases the connection between fine art and fashion while exploring the impact of China's influence on Western fashion through history. Influential filmmaker Wong Kar Wai served as the artistic director for this show and his stylistic vision and impeccable eye for detail can be felt throughout. This exquisitely stunning haute couture gold gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei with a lotus flower shaped bodice and skirt was presented in a gallery of 7th to 18th century Buddha statues. Given the importance of the lotus as a symbol in Buddhism, this was the perfect placement.

The collection of over 140 pieces is presented on multi-levels and this staging is meant to be labyrinth-like evoking Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland, a nod to the "looking glass" element in the exhibition's title. A cinematic journey is also created as significant moments in Asian film are juxtaposed within the galleries. The entire experience is incredibly captivating on a visual and sensory level. Even though we got lost and doubled back into some of the galleries a few times, it felt like I was seeing something new with each turn. I definitely came away with an appreciation for the pervasive influence of Chinese culture on Western fashion. It was really undeniable especially after seeing the references presented alongside the creations they inspired.

The Met has announced extended hours for Labor Day weekend so if you're in New York and you haven't seen this exhibit yet, I'd highly suggest it. You can learn more about China: Through The Looking Glass through the museum's official website.

CHANEL 1930, HIDDEN PLACKET EVENING JACKET REMADE FROM A CHINESE MANCHU ROBE | ORIGINAL DESIGN HANGING BEHIND IT
Chanel Jacket at China Through The Looking Glass
TOM FORD FOR YVES SAINT LAURENT FW 2004-2005

Tom Ford for YSL FW 2004-2005 at China Through The Looking Glass

TOM FORD FOR YVES SAINT LAURENT FW 2004-2005

Tom Ford for YSL FW 2004-2005 at China Through The Looking Glass

LAURENCE XU DRAGON ROBE DRESS 2011

Laurence Xu Dragon Robe Dress at China Through The Looking Glass

FILM CLIPS HIGHLIGHTING THE CHINESE QIPAO PLAY IN A ROOM SHOWCASING THE EVOLUTION OF THE ICONIC DRESS

China Through The Looking Glass Exhibit

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE FW 2001-2002

Jean Paul Gaultier Dress at China Through The Looking Glass

CHINESE CHEONGSAM FROM THE 1920'S

Chinese Qipao at China Through The Looking Glass

JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR FW 1997-1998

John Galliano Dress at China Through The Looking Glass

VIVIENNE TAM MAO SUIT SS 1995
Vivienne Tam Mao Suit at China Through The Looking Glass
CHINESE RED GUARD UNIFORM 1966 -1976
Chinese Red Guard Uniform at China Through The Looking Glass
JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR HAUTE COUTURE 1998-1999
John Galliano for Dior Haute Couture at China Through The Looking Glass
RALPH LAUREN FW 2011-2012
Ralph Lauren at China Through The Looking Glass
PAUL SMITH FW 2011
Paul Smith Dress at China Through The Looking Glass
JOHN GALLIANO HAUTE COUTURE SS 2003
John Galliano Dress at China Through The Looking Glass
JOHN GALLIANO HAUTE COUTURE SS 2003
John Galliano Dress at China Through The Looking Glass
VALENTINO 2013 SHANGHAI COLLECTION
Valentino at China Through The Looking Glass
VALENTINO 2013 SHANGHAI COLLECTION
Valentino at China Through The Looking Glass
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FOR GIVENCHY FW 2007-2008 IN FRONT OF DE GOURNAY WALLPAPER
Alexander McQueen at China Through The Looking Glass
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY ON SILK DRESSES, 1950's LEFT: CHANEL, RIGHT: CHRISTIAN DIOR
Chanel Dress at China Through The Looking Glass
FASHIONS INSPIRED BY BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN
China Through The Looking Glass Exhibit
ROBERTO CAVALLI FW 2005-2006
Roberto Cavalli at China Through The Looking Glass
VALENTINO FW 1968-1969 & VALENTINO FW 2013
Valentino at China Through The Looking Glass
YVES SAINT LAURENT HAUTE COUTURE 1977-1978
Yves Saint Laurent at China Through The Looking Glass
KARL LAGERFELD FOR CHANEL FW 1996-1997
Chanel at China Through The Looking Glass
HOUSE OF GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE FW 1997-1998
Givenchy at China Through The Looking Glass
WUXIA ENSEMBLE CRAIG ZEN SS 2015 | THE FIGURE IS STANDING IN A BAMBOO FOREST MADE OF GLASS
Craig Zen at China Through The Looking Glass
WUXIA ENSEMBLE JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FW 2001-2002
Jean Paul Gaultier at China Through The Looking Glass
STAIRS LEADING TO THE EXHIBIT
China Through The Looking Glass Exhibit

Designers featured in China: Through the Looking Glass include Cristobal Balenciaga, Bulgari, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Callot Soeurs, Cartier, Roberto Cavalli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino Garavani, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo for Valentino, Craig Green, Guo Pei, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Charles James, Mary Katrantzou, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Ralph Lauren, Judith Leiber, Christian Louboutin, Ma Ke, Mainbocher, Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, Edward Molyneux, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Dries van Noten, Jean Patou, Paul Poiret, Yves Saint Laurent, Paul Smith, Vivienne Tam, Isabel Toledo, Giambattista Valli, Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, and Laurence Xu.

44 comments

Joan Lee said...

Did you take these photos? They're beautiful! The detail on that black cheongsam was so amazing! I would LOVE to go to this exhibit. I managed to make it to the Alexander McQueen exhibit a few years back... it was so packed. I couldn't imagine how crazy it is to get into this one.

Ivana said...

Stunning pieces!
Followed you, great blog!

Rue de Tres Chic

Unknown said...

Great post. I really enjoyed the celebrity intrerpretations of this theme at the Met Gala.

www.girlcandress.com

Stanislava E. said...

Hi Rowena! I'd only say wow! I can't decide which of these beautiful creations I like the most! I am sure the Gala is worth a visit and if I was in NYC, I'd have visited it for sure! The placement of the golden dress is definitely appropriate for it! Lucky you to have had the chance to go and see! Kisses!

Paola Lauretano said...

Amazing exhibit.... wonderful creations!!!
Kisses, Paola.

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sonia // daring coco said...

I wish I was in NY. This would be sooooo freaking amazing to see in person.

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

Wow these are pretty amazing! Very eyecatching!

Florals&Smiles
Twitter

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Thank you so much for sharing all the photos and details of stunning outfits... I wish I was there. So beautiful! x

Jackie Harrison said...

Wow I'm memorize by the first dress is jaw dropping.

Emmylou said...

Thank you for sharing these pics, Rowena. The exhibit is just breath-taking to look at. What a feast for the eyes:)

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Am in awe of all of these, stunning stunning pieces, the work that has gone into them is amazing!!! So so wonderful xx

Lilli said...

Oh, Im so speechless Rowena, wish I was in NYC to see the exhibit with my eyes. The whole experience must be captivating indeed, u know I had to scroll down the pics various times as are enchanting! Chinese culture, design and art are marvelous. xo

Jane said...

Oh my gosh. How amazing!

Elle Sees said...

what a treat--i'd love to see this!

Unknown said...

Wow, those images are a real treat for the eyes. I adore the haute couture! A real fashion feast for the eyes X

http://www.leopardandspice.com/

Shireen L. Platt said...

Oh wow, that is an exquisite exhibition, would have love to get the opportunity to attend it. The first picture is especially stunning, I can only imagine how beautiful it is to see it in person.

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Lenya said...

Stunning pieces, Rowena. Wow, what an amazing exhibition. It just took my breath away. Gorgeous, every single piece is just gorgeous. Happy new month, girl.
kisses
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

May Cho said...

The pieces are absolutely stunning. M sister just walked into the room and I screamed at her, upon seeing the first picture of this post, "LOOK AT THAT, LOOK AT THAT." Testament, I'd presume.

I have never attended a fashion exhibition, gallery or any event of that sort ever in my life, but I think if I were to attend one, I'd love to attend this one; not only does it explore roots of my ethnicity, the artistic vision is impeccable! Getting lost in the labyrinth, you say? But isn't that the purpose of going through the looking glass? Ha! Thank you for sharing such an amazing exhibition, Rowena!

May | THE MAYDEN

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Definitely a great depiction of fine art meets fashion. Gorgeous looks!

www.ohtobeamuse.com

Danielle said...

Beautiful photos! I visited NYC some weeks ago and had planned to go to the MET to see this exhibition. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to go. I hope to go back soon before it ends.

www.spring2spring.com

Unknown said...

I love The exhibition,
Amazing

Happy evening
Mywishstyle

June said...

All i can say is WOW! These outfits are beyond exquisite!
xx
June Wants It All - Indian fashion and lifestyle blog

Unknown said...

These outfits are to die for! Imagine one day being able to walk the red carpet wearing something as amazing as these dresses... I am so jealous, I love the black one with the detailing at the back, I also love the way that the mannequins have their ribbons on their head looking very oriental. Gorgeous post :) xxx

nycstylelittlecannoli said...

I am so glad you got to see this! It is wonderful, I have been twice so far! A really lovely tribute to China, it's art and culture. Bravo The Met !!

ALLIE NYC said...

Crap so mad I missed this. My step family was even in town from Paris and we didn't get here, we usually do seems the only time I get to museums. Don't think I will make it this weekend, still recovering from a heart procedure I had 3 weeks ago. I get to work and back, but not up to a lot of walking quite yet. Thanks for posting these pix.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

Just WOW! You've got me speechless, Rowena! Such a great versatility of designers, I wish I could enjoy them in real life. Jean Paul Gaultier's robes are my faves here - breathtaking designs! Thank you for the eye pleasure, dear Rowena!!!

JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN



Margaret Dallospedale said...

Hi Rowena, omg stunning dresses.
Thanks for sharing
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

Nequéren Reis said...

Que maximo postagem maravilhosa amei
Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgeQXJjUpSQ
Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

Unknown said...

Wow, such an amazing exhibit...the clothing is stunning!

http://ourruins.com

Midnight Cowgirl said...

So gorgeous! Wish I could see this!

little luxury list said...

Stunning, just stunning. I can't believe it exceeded Savage Beauty's numbers too! Sigh, I really hope I can see it some time!

xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

Beauty said...

The pictures say it all; it's indeed a very beautiful presentation; very rich in color and visual/artistic design. I wish I was in New york, I'll go see it too. Thanks so much for sharing this on the blog.

Anonymous said...

Wow, the exhibition looks stunning. I hope that I will get to see it in Europe!

www.LUXESSED.com

Gabrielle said...

What a spectacular exhibition - and post! There's so much to inspire here, very few looks are anything less than perfect! Thanks for sharing this Rowena :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x

JeannLiew | Luminnej said...

Aaaaahhhh Rowena,

I felt like I have travelled back in time, or at least, journey to the East once again, with your visuals here. The exhibition is truly remarkable, showing such great pieces, stunning to say the least. I never knew that Western fashion designers, even like YSL and Tom Ford were influenced by these Chinese designers or the Chinese cultural elements. Fascinating indeed.

Well, it feels like I am once thrown back into the filmic mood of "In The Mood For Love", like Gong Li walking down the alleys of old Shanghai (or was it HK?) in those body-hugging qipao (but I only wish I had half her great figure she has *_^ haha), enjoying the finest of this exhibition has to offer.

Lucky that they have extended the duration! Wish I could be there myself, but this will do, for now *_^

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Have a beautiful week, Rowena.

Big hugs,
Jeann
http://luminnej.blogspot.com

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

I really enjoyed this post. Have a fun-filled Friday!

xoxo;
STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
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Leslie said...

Such a gorgeous exhibit Rowena. I adore all the rich colors and textures here. Your pictures are fantastic! I'd love to see all of this in person. xxL

buffalo journeys said...

What an amazing exhibit! Wish I was in the area to see it in person.

Carmen Varner said...

There's definitely a lot of beautiful pieces. The Met Gala always has some interesting people & garments. :]

// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

Ivana Split said...

Has it really been four months? The time really flies. I'm happy to hear that such an amazing exhibition has attracted its fair share of viewers and if I was in NYC I would surely count myself as one of them. This really is an exibition not to be missed. Chinese art and culture always had a fascination for the West, being so unique and being perceived as being very exotic. No wonder it atrracted so many creative people, from painters to designers. There is also the influence of history and the silk route....so there is a lot that be explored here, many refrences to make....the photographs are fantastic ! I'm sure that seeing all of these gown in person is also a great experience. However, those of us that can't make it this time are very grateful for this virtual tour.

http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.ba/

FASHION TALES said...

This is definitely an exhibit that I'd love to see up close and personal. I loved the Savage Beauty exhibit when we finally saw it, and since I used to be a period costumer I am always drawn to these sort of exhibitions. Lucky for you New York seems to have everything! :) Thanks for sharing Rowena.
Cast-Iron Cooking

AdriansCrazyLife said...

That gold dress at the top is gorgeous! I also love the one with the waves at the bottom. You've got really wonderful photos here.

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Rowena, I'm so glad you got to go and see this! What a beautiful treat for the eyes! That gold dress is absolutely a STUNNER! I also love the black dress with the back detail. So pretty. Thanks for sharing these with us.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Jenmarie said...

I saw your post on Instagram and just had to come over and see the rest! What a great selection of photos! I wasn't really aware of this so thank you for all the information and photos. I was so shocked that it received more visitors than McQeen's show!