LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
ARTS & COLLECTIBLES
STATEMENT PIECES
Where couture meets canvas: Statement Pieces at the
Gibbes Museum redefines fashion as fine art.
Series: July 25 I, by Joan Mitchell, oil on canvas (ca. 1950-1969). Gibbes Museum Permanent Collection.
Molly Goddard, Green Tulle Dress with Embroidered Flowers, Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection. (Photo by Giovanni Giannoni / photo courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art)
Prepare to be captivated as the Gibbes Museum of Art unveils Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection, a world-premiere exhibition celebrating the daring artistry of couture fashion and its unexpected dialogue with fine art. On view until April 27, 2025, this exhibit is the centerpiece of Art Charleston, the city’s annual festival showcasing vibrant visual arts.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes Museum of Art has long been a cultural gem. Known for its dedication to preserving and interpreting American art with a special emphasis on the South, the museum’s permanent collection spans over 10,000 works. With Statement Pieces, the Gibbes once again establishes itself as a nexus where tradition meets innovation.
Comme des Garçons, Red Dress,
Spring/Summer 2015 Collection.
(Photo by Giovanni Giannoni / photo courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art)
Art and Fashion in Conversation
This extraordinary exhibition pairs masterpieces from the Gibbes’ collection with couture creations from the acclaimed collection of Barrett Barrera Projects. Featuring the likes of Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Richard Quinn, the show explores the shared language of form, texture, and materiality between fine art and high fashion. Works by iconic American portraitists Thomas Sully, Benjamin West, and Gilbert Stuart are reimagined alongside avant-garde garments that push the boundaries of power dressing.
Modern abstraction takes center stage as well, with works by Joan Mitchell, Jasper Johns, and Romare Bearden drawing surprising parallels to fashion designers like Molly Goddard and Serena Gili. The exhibition revels in the interplay of identity, style, and experimentation, creating a vibrant dialogue across centuries and mediums.
Curatorial Excellence
Guided by the visionary expertise of Sara Arnold, the Gibbes’ Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Kelly Peck, Chief Curator and Vice President of Barrett Barrera Projects, the exhibition offers a dramatic exploration of artistic synergy. Together, they craft a story that moves beyond aesthetic appeal, diving into the intricate narratives of material culture, memory, and self-expression.
Sanctuary, by Donté K. Hayes,
stoneware sculpture (2020).
Gibbes Museum Permanent Collection.
Gucci, Gold Dress with Feather Embellishments, Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. (Photo by Jonas Gustavsson / photo courtesy of the Gibbes Museum
of Art)
Experience the Gibbes Difference
With its stunning Beaux-Arts building and a reputation for curating innovative exhibitions, the Gibbes Museum invites visitors to see art through a fresh lens. Statement Pieces continues the museum’s tradition of rethinking how we view art, making this exhibition an absolute must-see for art and fashion enthusiasts alike.
South Wind, Clear Dawn (Gaifu kaisei), by Katsushika Hokusai, Color woodblock print; ōban yoko-e (ca. 1831–33). Gibbes Museum Permanent Collection.
Pam Hogg, Black Dress #4,
Spring/Summer 2013 Collection.
(Photo courtesy of Pam Hogg Couture)
Alexander McQueen, Kimono, Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. (Photo by Giovanni Giannoni / photo courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art)
Mrs. Asher D. Cohen, by Martha Simkins, oil on canvas(ca. 1919). Gibbes Museum Permanent Collection.
Experience the Gibbes Difference
With its stunning Beaux-Arts building and a reputation for curating innovative exhibitions, the Gibbes Museum invites visitors to see art through a fresh lens. Statement Pieces continues the museum’s tradition of rethinking how we view art, making this exhibition an absolute must-see for art and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this year’s Art Charleston, taking place April 23-27. Inspired by the Museum’s fashion exhibition, this year’s theme includes signature events such as artist lectures, panel discussions, gallery walks, professional workshops, and expert-led exhibition tours. This is your chance to experience Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garçons, Pam Hogg, and more in Charleston’s most iconic museum. Visit Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection before April 27, 2025, and discover how couture and art spark a timeless conversation.
For more details about Art Charleston and the five-day event, visit www.gibbesmuseum.org/art-charleston.