Unravel. Knitwear in fashion

From 16 March till 14 August 2011 MoMu presented the exhibition UNRAVEL. Knitwear in fashion.The exhibition introduced the visitor to a wide variety of exquisite knitted garments and accessories from across the last centuries, with a focus on high fashion pieces and their vernacular interpretations. Top pieces by national and international designers and labels (Ann Salens, Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel, Missoni) historic couture pieces (Schiaparelli, Patou, Chanel) as well as more avant-garde and cutting edge pieces by established designers and newcomers on the international fashion scene (Sandra Backlund, Maison Martin Margiela, Mark Fast), sat side by side to reveal the richness and diversity of knitwear in high fashion.The exhibition addressed the important decades of knitwear in fashion, demonstrating knitwear’s popularity both on and off the catwalk, and unravelling the changing status of the relationship between knitwear and fashion. Thematically, it showcased the various roles knitwear has played in social and fashion (r)evolutions and will address knitwear’s different and fluid association with comfort, wellbeing and chic. With ‘Unravel: Knitwear in Fashion’, MoMu and Woolmark proudly present a mix of contemporary and classic knitwear design houses, as well as young designers and historical garments. The exhibition will challenge certain established ideas and show that far from being old-fashioned and dowdy- knitting is highly versatile, luxurious and a continuing source of inspiration for high end fashion