New Exhibit Opening at V&A Museum: Fashioned From Nature

The London based Victoria and Albert Museum presents Fashioned From Nature! Two years in the making, V&A explores the complex relationship between fashion and the natural world from the year 1600 to present day. This thought-provoking exhibit merges the idea of high fashion and sustainability. A whole new perspective that reduces the fashion industry’s environmental impact and elevates our perception of design is inspired.
Opening Saturday, April 21st, Fashioned From Nature invites visitors to ponder the materials, fabrics, and specimen of their clothing. And explore the sources of their garments throughout more than 400 years of history.

 Grape dress made with Vegea, a leather alternative made from grape waste, 2017 © Vegea

The exhibit will highlight many aspects of the fashion industry such as the history of fabrics and fashion materials. The steadfast activists that fight against the fashion industry’s increasing ecological footprint. And contemporary designers such as Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood that unite luxury fashion and sustainability.

 Stella McCartney, Winter 2017. © Stella McCartney

Earrings with the heads of red-legged honeycreepers (Cyanerpes cyaneus), Brazil, c. 1875. Museum no. AP.258-1875. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London[/caption]

From controversial materials like whalebone and mother-of-pearl, to fascinating alternatives such as pineapple fiber and vegetable ivory, Fashioned From Nature displays taboo themes and controversial subjects through the use of style and design, challenging viewers to consider all aspects of this provocative issue.

 Detox catwalk in Indonesia, 2015. © Greenpeace/ Hati Kecil Visuals

Over 350 pieces of fashion will make this mesmerizing exhibition, from the stunning Calvin Klein dress crafted from recycled plastic bottles, worn by Emma Watson at the 2016 Met Gala, to Tiziano Guardini’s striking, leather-like gown made out of waste from the wine industry, and Diana Scherer’s intriguing dress grown from actual plant roots… it seems this exhibition knows no boundaries!  A carefully selected, diverse collection of garments all convey jaw-dropping elements of naturalistic beauty, guaranteed to leave you breathless.

Calvin Klein Green Carpet Challenge dress worn by Emma Watson to the MET Gala 2016. © Matt Baron/REX/ Shutterstock. Courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

All Images Courtesy of V&A Museum