Cape 1897 - 1900

Editor: This is "Cape" by L.P. Hollander & Co., probably made sometime between 1897 and 1900. It looks to be mixed media but primarily feathers. The cape's feathery texture gives off a rather dramatic and somewhat gothic feel. How can we look at this garment in the context of the turn of the century? Curator: Indeed. Examining it historically, it's tempting to consider the public image of women at the time. What societal expectations or political statements might be subtly embedded within a luxurious item like this? Were the materials and crafting practices politically motivated? Editor: I see your point. Feathers can be both beautiful and controversial, given their source. So, what about the construction? Did ready-to-wear affect this piece? Curator: Good question. This cape likely reflects a shift from bespoke couture to more standardized sizes in garments, indicative of early fashion industry advancements. Its design hints at a desire to balance individuality with industrial possibility. Were pieces like this symbols of wealth and power? Editor: Probably both! Owning such an item would signify status, and wearing it publicly becomes a statement of cultural identity and personal expression, something both private and highly performative. Thinking about its display in the Met, what does exhibiting fashion tell us about art institutions today? Curator: Exactly. Fashion's inclusion reframes the museum as a site for broader cultural discussions. Displaying historical garments encourages thinking about the relationship between individual identity, political messaging, and institutional power structures. It adds new meaning to Romanticism. Editor: That’s given me a lot to think about, the implications of an item's place and purpose within cultural contexts, from its time to our own! Curator: Precisely. Considering fashion history opens up dialogues about evolving social narratives, revealing insights beyond aesthetics alone.