In the ever-evolving world of fashion and design, few exhibitions have managed to capture the essence of their intersection as thoughtfully as the Fashion & Interiors: A Gendered Affair exhibition at the MoMu Antwerp. Running from March 29 to August 3, 2025, this groundbreaking show delves into the intricate relationship between fashion and interior design, with a particular focus on the role of gender in shaping these artistic expressions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key themes, historical insights, and contemporary perspectives that make this exhibition a must-visit for anyone interested in fashion, design, and gender studies.
The Historical Context: Fashion and Interiors in the 19th Century
The exhibition begins by examining the 19th century, a time when the roles of men and women were rigidly defined, and these definitions heavily influenced both fashion and interior design. During this period, women were often seen as the "beautifiers" of their homes and themselves. They were responsible for decorating interiors with soft furnishings, drapes, and ornaments, while also adorning themselves in elaborate clothing that reflected their social status.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this era is how women’s clothing and bodies often merged with their surroundings to the point of near invisibility. The intricate details of their dresses, with their ruffles, lace, and embroidery, mirrored the ornate patterns found in interior design. This blending of fashion and interiors created a seamless aesthetic that was both beautiful and oppressive. Women were expected to be part of the decorative landscape, their bodies and clothing extensions of the home’s interior.
The Role of Women in Shaping Fashion and Interiors
Despite the constraints of the 19th century, women played a crucial role in shaping both fashion and interior design. They were the primary decision-makers when it came to decorating homes, and their choices reflected their social standing and personal tastes. However, this role was often seen as a form of "feminine" labor, reinforcing the idea that women’s contributions were limited to the domestic sphere.
The exhibition highlights how women’s influence extended beyond the home. Female designers and artisans were instrumental in creating the textiles, fabrics, and decorative elements that defined both fashion and interiors. Their work, though often uncredited, laid the foundation for the modern understanding of design as a unified field.
From Arts and Crafts to Modernism: The Unification of Fashion and Interiors
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a shift in the way fashion and interiors were perceived. The Arts and Crafts movement, led by figures like William Morris, emphasized the importance of handcrafted goods and the unity of all forms of design. This movement influenced designers like Henry van de Velde, who sought to create total works of art that unified architecture, furniture, decor, clothing, and accessories.
Van de Velde’s work is a central focus of the exhibition. His designs for interiors and fashion were groundbreaking because they blurred the lines between different artistic disciplines. He believed that every aspect of life should be beautiful and functional, from the chairs people sat on to the clothes they wore. This holistic approach to design was revolutionary and paved the way for the modernist movement.
Modernism and the Functional Aesthetic
The early 20th century saw the rise of modernism, which brought with it a new way of thinking about fashion and interiors. Modernist architects like Adolf Loos and Le Corbusier championed a more functional and minimalist aesthetic, rejecting the ornate styles of the past. Their designs emphasized simplicity, clean lines, and the use of new materials like steel and concrete.
Loos, in particular, was known for his critique of ornamentation in design. He believed that ornament was a form of waste and that true beauty lay in simplicity and functionality. His ideas had a profound impact on both architecture and fashion, influencing designers to adopt a more streamlined and modern approach.
Contemporary Connections: Fashion and Interiors Today
While the exhibition delves deeply into the past, it also makes important connections to the present. Contemporary fashion and interior design continue to be influenced by the historical themes explored in the show. Designers like Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Raf Simons, and Hussein Chalayan are featured in the exhibition, showcasing how they reflect on the historical connections between fashion and interiors in their work.
One of the most striking aspects of contemporary design is the way it challenges traditional gender norms. Today’s designers are more aware than ever of the gendered nature of fashion and interiors and are actively working to subvert these norms. This is evident in the increasing popularity of gender-neutral fashion and the blurring of lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics in interior design.
The Future of Fashion and Interiors: A Gendered Perspective
As we look to the future, the relationship between fashion and interiors will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The exhibition encourages us to think critically about how gender has shaped this relationship in the past and how it might influence it in the future. By examining the historical and contemporary connections between fashion and interiors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which gender has been used to define and confine artistic expression.
One of the key questions posed by the exhibition is: What would fashion and interiors look like if they were not constrained by traditional gender norms? This is a question that designers, artists, and scholars will continue to grapple with in the years to come. As we move forward, it will be important to challenge these norms and create a more inclusive and equitable understanding of fashion and interiors.
About the MoMu Antwerp
The MoMu Antwerp, or the Fashion Museum Antwerp, is one of the leading fashion museums in the world. Since its establishment in 2002, it has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of fashion and textiles. The museum is known for its innovative exhibitions that explore the cultural, social, and artistic significance of fashion.
The MoMu Antwerp is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium. The museum’s collection includes over 30,000 objects, ranging from historical costumes to contemporary fashion designs. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of both established and emerging designers.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit "Fashion & Interiors: A Gendered Affair"
Fashion & Interiors: A Gendered Affair is more than just an exhibition; it’s a journey through time that explores the intricate and often overlooked relationship between fashion and interiors. By examining the historical and contemporary connections between these two fields, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which gender has shaped artistic expression.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a design aficionado, or simply someone interested in gender studies, this exhibition has something to offer. The MoMu Antwerp has once again proven why it is a leader in the world of fashion and design with this thought-provoking and visually stunning show.
So mark your calendars for March 29 to August 3, 2025, and make your way to Antwerp, Belgium, to experience Fashion & Interiors: A Gendered Affair. It’s an exhibition you won’t want to miss.
