Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

Images and inspirations from the Costume Institute exhibit

Be it a menacing mask, curvaceous cape, or barrel-chested body suit, what would a true superhero be without an iconic costume? This, and much more, is featured in “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy” on view now through September 1, 2008 at The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With over 60 eye-popping ensembles, including movie costumes, high performance sportswear and haute couture, “Superheroes” explores how fashion projects the power and the specific body image that is a necessary part of battling bad guys. Objects are organized around favorite superheroes whose costumes and powers evoke strong fashion expressions. The stars and stripes of Wonder Woman’s costume, for example, are a nod to her patriotic character, where the bulging mass of The Hulk sends a potent message.

In addition to actual movie costumes, a “who’s who”of designers have contributed radical fashions that reference superhero iconography including Thierry Mugler’s motorcycle bustier, Bernhard Willhelm’s dress with Superman’s “S-shield” and Balenciaga’s Iron Man-inspired leather jacket and bronze leggings. Other designers include Giorgio Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Eiko Ishioka and more. The exhibit was made possible by Giorgio Armani. Nathan Crowley, production designer for movies “Batman Returns” and “The Dark Knight”, served as its creative consultant.