Have you ever wondered what links Gareth Pugh’s PVC and Chanel’s LBD?

Black is the answer according to a new exhibition at the MoMu in Antwerp, that explores the history of its changing role in the way we dress. From Beatniks to Goths, subcultures have long embraced the dark side of dressing, and ‘BLACK – Masters of Black in Fashion and Costume’ reveals how the darkest of hues has captured the fashion mood for centuries.

The exhibition cuts a swathe through fashion’s dark past – from Sixteenth Century aristocrats, through to Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde designs for Comme des Garçons in the Eighties – and encompassing female emancipation in the Twenties – thank you Coco!

Kaat Debo, director of the MoMu says: “In the Sixteenth Century Antwerp became one of the important centres for dyeing fabrics black, therefore, the city has a historic connection to the colour.”

With silhouettes on show from Belgian’s Ann Demeulemeester and Olivier Theyskens it’s clear that in Antwerp black’s not back – it never went away.

‘BLACK – Masters of Black in Fashion and Costume’ runs from March 25th until August 8th 2010, at MoMu – Fashion Museum in Antwerp.
www.momu.be/en

Tags: antwerp, black, exhibition, olivier theyskens