Friday, January 3, 2025

SOLID GOLD @BROOKLYN MUSEUM

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[L] Jeremy Scott jacket + pants (F/W 1998-99), [R] Larry Legaspi suit (1982)

From grillz to gowns and from the church to the club, gold has long captivated us with it's alluring sheen and implied luxury. The Brooklyn Museum's newest exhibit--Solid Gold-- is a dazzling exploration of gold's enduring allure and multifaceted significance. In celebration of the museum's 200th anniversary, the exhibit presents a glittering array of over 500 objects, the majority drawn from the museum's vast collection. Keep reading for a look inside...

Walter van Beirendonck S/S 2023 [L] Icarus Dress + Thunder Shorts and Fearless Coverall + Love Boots "Look 10," [R] "Look 6" WIRWAR

As Raquel Laneri (Artnet) aptly puts it, "Solid Gold considers the subject in all its permutations: as an element, material, color and symbol--of beauty, spirituality, wealth and power, but also greed, hubris and excess." The exhibit embraces this duality, inviting viewers to reflect on gold's timelessness and the layered meanings it carries across culture and eras. There are themes and juxtapositions, fashion and fate, old and new--an intentional taste of everything.
 
Christian Dior (S/S 2004) Haute Couture collection by John Galliano Look 3, Look 4, Look 12

Dior's presence in the exhibit stands out; the brand’s sponsorship is unmistakeable.  Select styles from Cartier, DVF, the Blonds also make an appearance, seamlessly blending with the mummies and other artifacts and works of art. The blend of high fashion and historical relics creates a compelling narrative of gold's enduring relevance across time and cultures. Especially of note are Sphinx by Marc Quinn-- a life-size gold statue of Kate Moss in a complicated yoga position--and Sculpture--a gold Dior dress in the shape of a house designed in collaboration with Penny Slinger (my favorite of the whole exhibit).

Zadik Zadikian's "Path to Nine" (2024) made from 999 gold leaf covered bars

Beyond the runway, Solid Gold examines gold’s spiritual and cultural dimensions. Ancient artifacts, modern artworks, and everything in between highlight the metal’s versatility and its capacity to endure both physically and symbolically. The exhibit is more than a celebration of the Brooklyn Museum’s milestone; it’s a variable, thought-provoking journey through history, art, and human ambition. Whether you’re drawn to gold's opulence or deeper connotations, this exhibit is worth the visit, but keep an open mind.

[L] DVF Gold Ariel Armor Wrap dress (2014), [R] The Blonds x Leora Catalan / Noir Jewelry

Installation view, with styles by The Blonds

The Blonds "Super Freak Chain Headpiece" (Fall 2019) worn by Janelle Monåe

Installation view including the Dior dress worn by Rihanna in the 2024 J'adore campaign

Installation view of Italian alter pieces

Christian Dior Égalité gown designed for Aya Nakamura for Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony(2024)

Installation view

[L] Jean Dupas Panel from the Grand Salon of the Ocean liner Normandie (1934), [R] Callot Soeurs dress (1928)

Christian Dior x Penny Slinger "Sculpture" Numéro 219 dress (F/W 2019) in gold leaf representing 30 avenue Montaigne

Gianfranco Ferré Ready to Wear Collection [R] Belt Buckle (F/W 1992-93), [M] Bracelet (S/S 1992), [R] Bracelet (1992)

Installation view


Book of Hours - a medieval prayer book with gold embellishment

Mary McFadden looks from Fire collection (2000) hand-painted organza dresses

Installation view

Henri Bendel Fashion sketches (1914-1920)

Gold artifacts, like teeth!

Installation view

Gold teacups + teapot

Joseph of Hollywood Necklace Prototype for Cleopatra (1963), worn by Elizabeth Taylor

Introductory wall

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