Sleeping Beauties

Exhibition at the MET Fifth Avenue, New York, 10 May - 2 September 2024

Bringing fashion to life through touch, smell, sight and sound, this publication brings to life four centuries of garments and accessories from the MET's collections inspired by the natural world and explores the complex relationship of clothing to the body through the senses.

Texts written by academics, scientists and curators reveal the history of more than 200 works of fashion while addressing their fragility and ephemerality. The book includes specially commissioned photographs of creations by international couturiers and design houses, including Balenciaga, Thom Browne, Collina Strada, Christian Dior, Gucci, Charles James, LOEWE, Madame Grès, Thebe Magugu, Maison Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Paul Poiret, Yves Saint Laurent, Elsa Schiaparelli, Bea Szenfeld, Philip Treacy, Iris van Herpen, Louis Vuitton and Charles Frederick Worth.