Goddess: The Classical Mode

by Harold Koda, Metropolitan Museum of Art Staff (Contribution by)

Overview

From the emblematic designs of Madame Grès to Isadora Duncan's dance costumes and the avant-garde gowns of Yves Saint Laurent, the Greco-Roman classical tradition of dress has clearly inspired and influenced the worlds of art and fashion. This beautifully illustrated book explores the continually evolving influence of classical dress through the ages, presenting a historical survey of this fascinating theme. Featured works include paintings, photographs, sculpture, and decorative objects from Greek and Roman times to the present as well as garments dating from the eighteenth century and recent creations by designers such as Tom Ford of Gucci and Issey Miyake.

Author Biography: Harold Koda is Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book is the catalogue for an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from April 29 to August 3, 2003. Published in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781588390486
Publisher:	Metropolitan Museum of Art
Publication date:	04/28/2003
Pages:	223
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Harold Koda is Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Editorial Reviews

Accompanying the summer 2003 exhibition of the same title at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, this volume explores how elements of Greek clothing from antique models such as Greek vases and classical sculpture have been translated to women's fashion, first in Empire and Directoire periods in Europe, but even more fully in the 20th century. Elements of classical dress were rarely translated literally but were blended in garment types and details. For example, early 20th-century designer Mariano Fortuny combined unstructured, loose classical forms and classical pleating with rich, oriental-inspired silks and beading. Classical details can be found in less intrinsic ways in Dior's references to the classical goddesses Venus and Juno in his elaborately beaded evening gowns and in Gilbert Adrian's meander pattern embroideries on 1930s film costumes. The exhibition and book were conceived and developed by the Costume Institute's Curator in Charge. This book, while being beautifully designed with more than 110 handsome color illustrations, is more a visual reference than a scholarly catalog. Recommended for libraries that collect books on costume and fashion.-Sandra Rothenberg, Framingham State Coll. Lib., MA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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