A Call for Curiosities

A peek into Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities at The Museum at FIT.

I spent much of yesterday morning nursing a hangover because, apparently, turning 30 means you can no longer have more than four drinks in two hours and get off scot-free. Who knew?

Possibly one of my ruder awakenings since entering this decade. And the reason for the bubbles? Only the long-anticipated preview reception of The Museum at FIT’s latest exhibition, Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities, curated by Dr. Colleen Hill. The show guides us through a tantalizing series of treasures and troves, born out of her dissertation research on the complex legacy of the Wunderkammer—the “chamber of wonder” as early cabinets were known—and their evolution over the last century into the modern museum as we know it.

With nearly 200 meticulously chosen pieces, the discourse is in the details. Every single object carries a poetic backstory. As I moved through the exhibit, I was met with two contrasting categories—naturalia (natural materials) and artificialia (human-made artifacts)—seamlessly interwoven throughout each section, from miniatures to optical illusions and more.

The exhibition’s statement piece greets you in the opening hall, but once you step into the main gallery, you’re met with the birdcage.

I don’t have words to describe the birdcage. A nod to the aviary sections of cabinets past—often featuring birds of prey, both living and preserved—its sheer scale within the gallery is breathtaking, an unexpected yet hauntingly visceral visual touchpoint. When you see it in person, you’ll understand.

I leaned into the ‘exotic animal’ theme for the opening reception with a deadstock zebra button-up jacket, vintage zebra pony hair Prada, AGOLDE denim, and Margiela Tabis—only to find myself in good company, surrounded by a like-minded horde draped in prints, feathers, and furs.

This exhibition is perhaps an invitation to our younger, more curious selves—the ones who never shied away from wonderment. Definitely not to be missed. Congratulations to Dr. Hill and the entire MFIT team!

The exhibition runs through April 20, 2025. Run don’t walk!

Happy dressing x