The Museum at FIT pays homage to the last impact of fairy tales on the industry

Ranging from the story of Cinderella, which could never have ended the same without her glass slipper to Little Red Riding Hood, whose red cape is known across the globe, fashion has played a significant role in the realm of fairy tales. Famous fairy tale authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and the brothers Grimm used clothing to strengthen a character's role within a story or to illustrate a transformation. However, the reverse effect has also been seen within the industry as these fairy tales have become a source of inspiration for fashion designers. In order to showcase how fairy tales and fashion have traditionally been connected to one another, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) is set to open the exhibition Fairy Tale Fashion on January 15.

Fairy Tale Fashion features over 80 items which date back as far as the 18th century until the present day. Associate curator Colleen Hill was responsible for selecting the objects which will be on display, and architect Kim Ackert created the accompanying decors. The exhibition is divided in four parts which all have their own theme in order to create a well-arranged whole. First, there is the forest-room which showcases items such as a Comme des Garçons cloak based on the one from Little Red Riding Hood and a dress with beads that form a motif resembling the long loose hair from Rapunzel. After leaving the forest behind, visitors will find themselves in the next room which is castle themed and holds Noritaka Tatehana´s 2014 interpretation of Cinderella´s glass slipper as well as a fur coat referring to the story of Furrypelts.

The third exhibition space focuses on the prominent role of the sea in The Little Mermaid and The Swan Maidens. Items on display include Charles James´s layered ´swan´ dress and a matching metallic bustier and skirt created by Thierry Mugler. Last but not least, Fairy Tale Fashion takes visitors to the parallel worlds of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. The most striking item in this final part of the exhibition is a pair of bright red Christian Louboutin pumps, which are reminiscent of the shoes that Dorothy wore in The Wizard of Oz movie.

Image credit: MFIT Facebook

Fairy Tale Fashion will open its doors on January 15 and is open to visitors until April 16.