But seriously. There is hardly anything referring to the
movement or the music itself, except for a few quotes on the walls (was it
really necessary to quote Joe Strummer as “Joe Strummer from The Clash” and
Johnny Rotten as “Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols”?!). The CBGB bogs made me
laugh because it was funny to see a place where we have all peed or done
something in once in our lives uprooted and displayed as part of a museum
exhibition. There were a few original Vivienne Westwood pieces from back in the
day on display, but all in all the exhibition was mainly a collection of haute
couture designer garments that were in some way influenced by punk. From a
fashion point of view it was pretty cool as there were some items that resembled
outfits that I’ve been putting together since my teens, a lot of lace, black,
shredded jeans and t-shirts. The couture dresses made from garbage bags were
interesting, although I doubt they could actually ever be worn, more pieces of
art than actual articles of clothing.
But where was the music? Where were all the photos that
could have been displayed around the rooms? Where were the videos that could
have been shown on TV monitors? Why were most of the models wearing clothes
designed after 2000? If the point of the whole exhibition was to showcase how
punk had influenced fashion then why were there not any references or pictures
to the icons in the late 70’s and early 80’s who created the outfits in the
beginning? Of course Vivienne Westwood is one icon, as is Malcolm McLaren, but
there are so many others, not fashion designers, but musicians, poets, people
who just were there at the time and created their own outfits out of nothing. Because,
you know, I doubt that anyone who was part of it all back then would have been
able to afford a Moschino trash bag dress. I mean, I know my dad couldn’t,
seeing as being on the dole in the early 80’s didn’t really make you a
millionaire.
All in all, pretty cool from a visual aspect, but completely
lacking in any kind of background or actual real punk substance. Only bother
going if you love fashion and haute couture, or if you want to visit the rest
of the museum (which is completely worth it). There is SO much they could have done
to make this exhibition amazing. They just didn’t.
One of my friends gave me THIS brilliant book about Vivienne Westwood as a Christmas gift quite a few years ago. Now this is relevant and pretty awesome in terms of background and images.
Punk: Chaos to Couture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art - exhibition ends on August 14th
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