Punk: Chaos to Couture

If any of you happen to be in New York between 9th May - 14th August, you will be lucky enough to catch the highly anticipated Spring 2013 exhibition, PUNK: Chaos to Couture organized by The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The exhibit examines the impact of the punk movement on couture from its origins in the 70’s to present day. For years now, there has been a strange relationship between punk clothing and high fashion. Both couture and punk exhibit individuality in their own ways which is the common denominator in this eccentric affiliation. Designers have often drawn inspiration from the punk culture. We have seen the spikes on Burberry jackets, Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti for Louis Vuitton and how can we forget, the Versace safety pin dress. 

Elizabeth Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress

Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton

Punk dressing was characterized by ripped clothing held together with safety pins or normal clothes that would have shock value through the use of the whole DIY concept (spray painting t-shirts, etc.) or even with political propaganda printed on it. Razor blades, spikes,chains, tattoos, tartan trousers, lots of vinyl and leather and Dr Marten boots were all a major part of the punk philosophy. What fascinates me is how this almost anti fashion culture ended up on the runways and became one of the most popular trends.

Zandra Rhodes was one of the first designers to bring punk style into limelight. Her 1977 “Conceptual Chic” collection featured shredded dresses, skirts and shirts held together by safety pins and chains. Vivienne Westwood is another to have been deeply influenced by the punk movement. Her initial designs were inspired by bikers, S&M and even prostitutes.

A Zandra Rhodes Dress

For this MET Costume Institute exhibit, think safety pins, razor blades and spikes! Of course Zandra Rhodes and Vivian Westwood’s clothes play a significant role here. Some of the other designers include Rei Kawakubo, Gianni Versace, Riccardo Tisci, Martin Margiela, Dior, John Galliano, and Nicholas Ghesquiere amongst others.

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

100 designs for men and women ranging from original punk garments to modern day haute couture and ready to wear will be on display showing the influence of punk on fashion. One of the seven galleries will be a tribute to the notoriously famous CBGB club (a club dedicated to punk music). The next two galleries were inspired by Vivienne Westwood and her husband’s boutique in London.

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

The last four galleries (D.I.Y Hardware, D.I.Y Bricolage, D.I.Y Graffiti & Agitprop, D.I.Y Destroy)will feature the use of studs, spikes, chains in couture, the use of random objects in high fashion, the use of graffiti, agitation and propaganda as popularized by the punk rock band, The Clash and finally analyzing the concept of shredded clothes. The exhibit will also include various forms of multimedia to heighten the experience.

A Moschino dress made out of plastic shopping bags at the exhibit

The use of DIY hardware in fashion

Some, who previewed the show, were not impressed and felt it was too sanitized and lacked the negative aspects of punk, whilst some loved it. I’m just sad I can’t be there to see it!