Superheroes / Metropolitan Museum of Art

Superheroes, Super Designs. Marc Karimzadeh. WWD. 05.02.08. 

excerpted text:

“Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,” which officially opens its doors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute next Wednesday, offers a look at how fashion has interpreted superhero iconography both literally and metaphorically, and an almost comic-worthy show layout peppered with real action figures that could appeal to a democratic range of museum visitors.

"Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, who put the exhibit together with the support of curator in charge Harold Koda, said the theme for the exhibit evolved from his initial, more literal approach five years ago. He was inspired to take the different route after reading Michael Chabon’s “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” which gave a metaphorical slant to the theme. Chabon has contributed an essay on Unitard Theory in the show’s accompanying book." (Marc Karimzadeh)

“We began talking about superheroes as a metaphor, and this idea how clothing can transform, or help maintain the same identity,how the superhero is the overarching metaphor for fashion, because both share this obsession with the body, identity and transformation.” (Andrew Bolton)

Louis Vuitton / Murakami

"Louis Vuitton's Original Take on Fakes". Text by Marc Karimzadeh. WWD.04.03.08. 

excerpted text and quotes:

"But rather than simply hand out leaflets to alert guests about the importance of protecting original design, the French luxury goods house will be taking a novel, somewhat intriguing route. Outside the museum, Vuitton is setting up 10 New York-style street vendors - not to sell fakes, but rather authentic Louis Vuitton product and special Monogramouflage canvases that Murakami has created specifically for the exhibition." 

"We think that by highlighting it in a happening way and not in a boring way, it will make everybody more aware". (Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton)

"Its educational because it puts millions of people in contact with artists that they probably never would have known". (Yves Carcelle, Chaiman and CEO of Louis Vuitton)

"We are expecting a big impact, but i don't think  anyone had imagined that nearly six years later, it would become one of the new eternal pillars of the vocabulary of Louis Vuitton". (Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Lousi Vuitton)