You must join the virtual queue when you arrive. We may not admit visitors near the end of the day. Sleeping Beauties is an immersive exhibition with sensory experiences including video animations, soundscapes, and smells. Visitors travel in a single path in one direction.
Special Access for Members
Priority access in the virtual queue and Weekend Member Mornings 9–10 am every Saturday and Sunday

The Costume Institute’s spring 2024 exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, reactivates the sensory capacities of masterworks in the Museum’s collection through first-hand research, conservation analysis, and diverse technologies—from cutting-edge tools of artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery to traditional formats of x-rays, video animation, light projection, and soundscapes.

When an item of clothing enters the Costume Institute collection, its status is changed forever. What was once a vital part of a person’s life is now a motionless ‘artwork’ that can no longer be worn or heard, touched, or smelled. This exhibition reanimates these objects, helping us experience them as they were originally intended—with vibrancy, dynamism, and life.

The exhibition features approximately 220 garments and accessories spanning four centuries, all visually connected through themes of nature, which also serves as a metaphor for the transience of fashion. Visitors will be invited to smell the aromatic histories of hats bearing floral motifs; to touch the walls of galleries that will be embossed with the embroidery of select garments; and to experience—via the illusion technique known as Pepper’s ghost—how the “hobble skirt” restricted women’s stride in the early 20th century. Punctuating the galleries will be a series of “sleeping beauties”—garments that can no longer be dressed on mannequins due to their extreme fragility.

To access the booklet of all large-print exhibition text, click here
The exhibition is made possible by

Support is provided by

Additional support is provided by

Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
This vibrant title brings to life four centuries of extraordinary garments and accessories inspired by the natural world.

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The impact of gender-neutral clothing extends beyond the LGBTQA++ community as it promotes inclusivity for all genders including those who identify as non-binary and genderfluid. Read on!
Fashion has always been a way for individuals to express themselves, an opportunity to feel comfortable in their skin that gives everyone the power that they need in order to break free from the barriers.
Earlier, fashion was defined by gender demarcations, with clothing specifically built for men and women, ignoring the needs of people who don’t want to limit their identity to two specific genders. 
But in recent times, there has been a considerable shift in this perception, with fashion becoming inclusive of all who want to experiment and are daring to break the stereotypical norms by freely expressing their gender identity both globally and in India.
This has led to the emergence of gender-neutral clothing, empowering individuals to dress in a way that highlights their uniqueness, rather than supressing their identity. 
The market demand for gender-neutral fashion is steadily rising and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5 per cent from 2021 to 2030. Gender-neutral clothing breaks stereotypes and brings a more fluid and dynamic vision to an individual’s style. It rejects the idea that clothes should be gender-specific and paves the way for authentic self-expression that celebrates diversity. 
The impact of gender-neutral clothing extends beyond the LGBTQA++ community as it promotes inclusivity for all genders including those who identify as non-binary and genderfluid.
It challenges the notion that clothes should be confined to masculine or female designs but rather opens the door to making fashion accessible for all. Gender-neutral clothing holds a special place as it permits individuals to feel comfortable in their being, making it all the more valuable than conventional gender-specific clothing. 
It gives people the freedom to experiment with different styles, colours and silhouettes without feeling suffocated by what they are wearing. For instance, designs that blur the lines between male and female designs such as boxy t-shirts, oversized blazers, tailored suits, etc are becoming increasingly popular.
These designs boast silhouettes that are breathable, and comfortable and allow freedom of movement. This gives individuals the liberty to wear clothes that embrace diversity making them inclusive about different choices that hold the key for boosting confidence and self-acceptance. 
Also read: Scent of luxury: India’s jasmine infuses global perfume
A new generation of gender-neutral fashion individuals has emerged and their voice has become a huge success on various social media platforms. The millennials and the GenZ have joined forces to build a space that allows non-binary and gender-fluid people to share their real selves on social media and gain support from a large community. Social media has vast potential and people can utilise these platforms to put their gender-neutral looks on the air and encourage the adoption of others. 
Celebrities have also embraced this trend as they are preferring gender-neutral clothes and influencing people to experiment and wear what makes them feel comfortable, as clothes have no boundaries.
Movies like Barbie have successfully generated a wave of pink and have made the shade gender-neutral by portraying male characters shining in pink, breaking the notion of femininity attached to the colour.
The new online trends have been able to transform people’s mindset and have contributed towards the development of a robust online community that has normalised apparel, and prioritised embracement of differences. 
Indian fashion designers and labels are taking huge leaps to break down the role of apparel in making people conform to traditional gender roles, by offering diverse, versatile and inclusive designs, catering to all genders.
For instance, Payal Gupta with her brand YUGA has launched a collection of gender-neutral skirts, dresses, trousers and much more.
Additionally, gender-neutral clothing is making waves in the industry with designers promoting the eco-friendliness of the materials and production techniques that are paving the way for the cultivation of a sustainable fashion industry.
Another prominent Indian fashion designer – Hansika Chabbria has unveiled her gender-neutral label called One Less with the objective to make sustainable fashion accessible through apparel that is free from specifications. 
Also read: Indian actress Smita Bansal shares 5 parenting mantras for mothers with teenage daughters | Exclusive
The fashion industry is moving away from the traditional sizing system that ignores the need of people who don’t fit into socially acceptable boxes.
Brands are recognising the need for gender-inclusive measurements so that clothes can no longer be a factor that creates disparities among people.
High-profile designers, including Gucci and Alexander McQueen, have launched gender-neutral collections, and numerous independent brands and retailers are now offering gender-neutral clothing options. The future of fashion is bright, with designers continuing this revolution down the years by pushing set boundaries and creating magic with innovative collections that cater to diverse gender identities. 
Fashion is becoming a movement and is creating a world with greater diversity and representation. Brands are making significant headway by prioritising inclusivity in their campaigns, fashion shows, and advertisements. The trends associated with gender neutrality is certainly becoming the new normal in the world that destroys traditional stereotypical norms and empowers individual to be, feel, and live life as they want. 
(With inputs from Jamil Ahmed, Co-founder & CBO, Fashinza)
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The journey from runway to consumers’ wardrobe represents a fundamental shift in the fashion landscape. Sustainable fashion not only represents clothing but is also responsible for an ethical and responsible way of living. As the demand for eco-friendly fashion grows the future of the industry looks brighter and more ethical.
In an era where sustainability and environmental awareness are growing, commitment to ethical choice is increasing day by day. The traditional perspective of fashion is long gone while sustainable and eco-friendly options have become the first choice for several consumers.
The adoption of sustainable fashion that is making its way from the runway to our wardrobes is not only bringing a revolution in the fashion industry but also empowering consumers to make smart lifestyle choices.
Sustainability is bringing positive changes in an industry that has always been criticised for its negative environmental impact. Fashion is healing and inspiring consumers to focus and opt for eco-friendly choices. This new and influencing fashion values quality over quantity, ethical production practices, and mindful consumption.
Brands are becoming more transparent towards the customers and allowing them to track their order journey, ensuring that every step of the manufacturing process adheres to ethical standards. This process of the garment from inception to the rack improves the work practices and fair treatment of the workers, which includes safe working conditions, fair wages, and removal of any exploitative practices.
Sustainable fashion trends involve using eco-friendly materials carefully and contribute to the reduction of water and energy consumption while supporting innovation in the fashion industry. Using eco-friendly materials for apparel production such as bamboo, hemp, cotton, etc, is gaining prominence.
These materials reduce carbon footprints as they require fewer resources and reduce waste. Consumers are contributing to saving natural resources and reduction of water and energy consumption which is to the innovation of the fashion industry.
Also read: What is the ‘two-navel’ trend in China that is raising body image concerns?
Fashion brands are no longer bound by size and have expansive size availability. Brands are creating styles that cater to a spectrum of different body sizes, allowing a large number of individuals to access stylish clothing that makes them feel confident while sending a powerful message to the world that the realm of fashion is for all.
Sustainable fashion does not always mean creating new clothes but sometimes it reuses and recycles to reduce waste via creative methods. Upcycling transforms old clothes into new ones using creative techniques and resources, breathing new life into the old and worn-out material. This productive approach helps reduce waste and encourages a shift toward a circular fashion economy.
Literacy plays a vital role in encouraging sustainability as it goes hand in hand with the education of the customer. Fashion businesses are actively raising awareness about the ecological impact of clothing production. By understanding the consequences of their choices, consumers can make informed choices.

Education and Awareness have the power to drive change in the hands of the consumers, bringing transparency and sustainability.
The journey from runway to consumers’ wardrobe represents a fundamental shift in the fashion landscape. Sustainable fashion not only represents clothing but is also responsible for an ethical and responsible way of living. As the demand for eco-friendly grows the future of the fashion industry looks brighter and more ethical.
(Inputs by Arpita Shukla, Founder & CEO, Drywa Store)
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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
Meet Kirtika Katira, the multifaceted sub-editor at WION who seamlessly navigates the worlds of entertainment, fashion, beauty, and fitness. With an eagle eye for

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