More than 170 objects put fashion dolls and the clothes they inspired side by side, from an 18th-century fashion doll lent by Colonial Williamsburg and a 1970s Mary Quant Daisy to an original 1980 Black Barbie. Designers including Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Margiela, Moschino, Patrick Kelly and Anna Sui show up across six themed galleries. If you have ever loved a doll or a runway look, this is Chelsea's best free hour.
What to expect
The show fills the museum's Special Exhibitions Gallery, organised in six sections that move from fashion-doll history and miniature design through childhood nostalgia and dollhouse style to 'living doll' archetypes and subversive doll imagery. Expect full-size garments displayed next to tiny counterparts, plus video and artwork.
Good to know
- Admission to The Museum at FIT is free.
- The museum sits on the FIT campus at Seventh Avenue and West 27th Street.
- The 1 train at 28th Street is closest; the A, C, E at 23rd Street is also close.
- Budget about an hour to see all six galleries properly.
- Related programming, including a symposium, workshops and curator talks, is scheduled during the run.
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Common questions
Does Doll Dressing cost anything?
No. The Museum at FIT is free to visit.
Which designers are featured?
The museum lists Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Patrick Kelly, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Anna Sui and Undercover among others.
Who curated the show?
Dr. Colleen Hill, senior curator of costume at The Museum at FIT.
