New York City is known as one of the most influential fashion cities of the world. Fashion Week draws thousands of people every year. And while internationally-known fashion houses occupy storefronts on the city's most prominent streets, there are certain individuals who make this city a fashion haven by using fashion as a means of self-expression.
On a recent trip to NYC, I stopped by the Museum at FIT. Their latest exhibition features the colorful and fashionable life of one of the most interesting personalities of the fashion world: Susanne Bartsch. The show is called "Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch". Speaking of self-expression, this exhibition will take you on a visual journey of joy, humor, and freedom.
On a recent trip to NYC, I stopped by the Museum at FIT. Their latest exhibition features the colorful and fashionable life of one of the most interesting personalities of the fashion world: Susanne Bartsch. The show is called "Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch". Speaking of self-expression, this exhibition will take you on a visual journey of joy, humor, and freedom.
Swiss-born Susanne Bartsch moved to New York City in 1981 and since then she has become renowned for throwing outstanding parties where everybody is encouraged to dress up in their own versions of high fashion, street style, and drag. The photos I took at the exhibition will give you a glimpse of the "It was about seeing and being seen" attitude of Bartsch.
Bartsch is, however, more than just a fashion icon who believes that "you can be whatever you want to be." She is a muse to fashion designers and also one of the first retailers to import Vivienne Westwood in the 1980s. The turbulent years, affected by the AIDS epidemic, prompted Bartsch to became a fundraiser. The Love Ball of 1989, one of the first AIDS benefits, is one of Bartsch's notable achievements. Over the next few years, she raised a total of $2.5 million for AIDS research and advocacy.
Bartsch is, however, more than just a fashion icon who believes that "you can be whatever you want to be." She is a muse to fashion designers and also one of the first retailers to import Vivienne Westwood in the 1980s. The turbulent years, affected by the AIDS epidemic, prompted Bartsch to became a fundraiser. The Love Ball of 1989, one of the first AIDS benefits, is one of Bartsch's notable achievements. Over the next few years, she raised a total of $2.5 million for AIDS research and advocacy.
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As I strolled through the exhibitions halls, I took in the sights of the most wonderful and imaginative designs I have ever seen. So many influential fashion designers are on display: Rachel Auburn, The Blonds, Leigh Bowery, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Pam Hogg, Stephen Jones, Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, Rick Owens, Vivienne Westwood, and Zaldy. There are about 80 looks to admire.
You will also learn through videos and photographs. These document about 30 years of Susanne Bartsch's quest of self-expression. Go see the exhibition and discover for yourself this wonderful world of truly creative fashion!
You will also learn through videos and photographs. These document about 30 years of Susanne Bartsch's quest of self-expression. Go see the exhibition and discover for yourself this wonderful world of truly creative fashion!
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"Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch" is on display at the Special Exhibitions Gallery at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (Seventh Avenue at 27 Street, New York City 10001-5992) until December 5, 2015.