I am assuming you understand the whole point of me doing this. Womenswear has become an increasingly male dominated space. I think the timing of this exhibition could not be more perfect.
Anyway, FIVE more women who deserve to be a part of the Women Dressing Women Exhibition at the MET
Donatella Versace
Do I even need to elaborate on this? The Versace empire was built by 3 people. Gianni, Santo and Donatella Versace. Santo would be the President of the company, Gianni was the Creative Director, and Donatella was the Vice President. She did everything. She designed accessories, she styled, she creatively directed campaigns, she designed the diffusion line (Versus). Towards the end of Gianni’s life, you can start to see their two aesthetics start to bump heads (which is super interesting because they are rooted in the same thing)
Donatella took Versace and turned it into an EMPIRE. It’s incredibly beautiful to see the love she has for her brother and the love she has for the people she dresses. Look at her relationship with the Hadid sisters, Precious Lee, Anne Hathaway, Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Elton John and the list goes on and on and on. She made sure her brother’s name would forever be in the conversation and has made the business SOAR.
For her contribution, I chose this dress from Gianni’s last collection AW97 Couture. This collection is often used as the reference when describing the difference between Donatella’s Versace and Gianni’s Versace. It’s almost as if the collection is at odds with itself.
Elena Velez
The Puerto Rican designer from Wisconsin (Cheese Caves) has made an explosive debut onto the fashion scene with conceptual and and unconventional design. She is the winner of the CFDA Emerging designer in 2022. Her unique and “aggressively delicate,” design has created its own niche of fashion fans and her depiction of womanhood is something that deserves to be remembered. While she does not have the biggest name, she is the name you say when you want to know if this person’s opinion carries any weight.
For her contribution, I chose this look from the SS23 Collection which was influenced by Velez’s postpartum journey. Motherhood is an interesting influence to view in collections.
Elsa Schiaparelli
Back to Italy, do you think I couldn’t include my favourite “Italian artist who makes clothes.” (I don’t thank Coco Chanel for much but this, will forever be iconic.) The ICONIC Philosophy graduate who popularised the Trompe lœil in knitwear and was the first person to popularise the wrap dress. (DVF made the modern iteration as we know it today) was one of the people who brought fashion and art together by collaborating with the surrealists.
Her impact in fashion today is seen in the many people influenced by her. Think Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Azzedine Alaïa, and John Galliano. (Mrs Prada has been named her intellectual heir and they even had an exhibition at the MET with their works in conversation) She wanted fashion to be intelligent. She wanted fashion to provoke thought.
For her contribution, I chose the bow knit sweater of course. Think of the trompe lœil today. It all came from this point.
Vera Wang
Everyone in fashion knows the name Vera Wang. It’s quite simple. The mother of bridal fashion who actually worked at Vogue as an editor. ALSO, SHES 74?!!?!?! Everyone who is ANYONE has worn Vera Wang. She is a pilar in American fashion history creating some of the most incredible moments. I am not a big bridal girl but I do want to make space for this LEGEND.
For her contribution, I chose 2 looks. I chose Ariana Grande’s dress that she wore to the Heavenly Bodies Met Gala and then Mariah Carey’s wedding dress. Simple. Iconic. Tré Chic.
Sarah Burton
I don’t think I need to share any more how much I respect and love this woman. CSM Graduate, Right hand to Lee McQueen, took over McQueen, multiplied its profit 15x over. She’s cooking with gas.
For her contribution to the exhibit, I chose this look from the AW13 Collection because why did she create a religious pageant during a catholic sex scandal in Britain? McQueen is so twisted and I LIVE.
Late Stage Capitalism is winning. My enemies are after me. Let’s celebrate women to find joy.
Have a great day and remember to smack my ass like a drum
Loves it,