Contemporary Muslim Fashions

Image: Evening Gown, Shawl, And Turban, Desert Dream Spring/Summer Collection 2018 Courtesy of Raşit Bağzıbağlı x Modanisa.

Jill D’Alessandro, Curator in Charge of Costume and Textile Arts, and Laura L. Camerlengo, Associate Curator of Costume and Textile Arts, have received the 2020 Richard Martin Exhibition Award from the Costume Society of America, for organising the pioneering exhibition Contemporary Muslim Fashions. Contemporary Muslim Fashions is the first major museum exhibition to explore the complex and diverse nature of Muslim modest fashion. The Richard Martin Exhibition Award recognises outstanding costume exhibitions presented by exhibitions that demonstrate excellence and innovation in the interpretation and presentation of costume, providing a transforming experience to the public.

Image: Melinda Looi for Melinda Looi (est. 2000, Malaysia); Photograph by Sebastian Kim.

Image: Tribalux Collection, 2018. Courtesy of Itang Yunasz

In addition to this award, Contemporary Muslim Fashions was awarded the "Enhancing Understanding" Award from the Council on American-Islamic Relations in 2018, which recognized the Museum for its work to help increase understanding about Islam and Muslims, and more generally diverse communities. Following its widely acclaimed presentation at the de Young museum in San Francisco, the exhibition travelled to Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt. It is now at Cooper Hewitt in New York City.

Contemporary Muslim Fashions examines how Muslim women—those who cover their heads and those who do not—have become arbiters of style within and beyond their communities, and in so doing, have drawn mass-media attention to contemporary Muslim life. As designers and entrepreneurs, they have shown that clothing can be on-trend and still meet the needs of diverse wearers. As consumers, they have used their influence to shape global fashion markets. And as journalists, bloggers, and influencers, they have confronted a lack of representation in the mainstream fashion narrative and drawn international attention to the vitality of Muslim modest style.

For more information visit www.cooperhewitt.org