Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – Gender Bending Fashion (US)

BRIEF:

Gender Bending Fashion explores the role of gender and fashion, by connecting the past and the present through highlighting trailblaizing designers and wearers and an immersive experience. With an holistic approach of the gender spectrum this project honors diversity and creates a place where ideas flourish and grow. People from different walks of life can see themselves and their experiences reflected and respected.

STRATEGY:

The MFA chose retro futurism as a visual theme to connect present to historical precedents and the imaginative exuberance of what the future could be. Build around a central spine of contemporary designers, the exhibition unfolds on three parts exploring reversals of binary’s conventions up to its desintegration to finally reach transcendence of genders.

CHALLENGES:

– Sensitive topic that needed to be worked with consultants
– Mounting two large shows plus few smaller in the same times
– Complete re-work of the gallery to create an immersive environment

TOOLS:

The community was engaged by being featured though out the show, in particular displaying local styles and voices in the digital album. In the final Transcend room, the MFA worked with creative agency, Black Math, to create an immersive projection-mapped room. The Gender + Fashion Lab provides a place to learn more on the topics in the show.

OUTCOME:

A conversation was started on gender and fashion in Boston. People from all over the city came to celebrate. The concerned community felt well represented as said in many social media posts.