The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of its newest exhibition, The Story of Newark Fashion: From Atelier to Runway, scheduled to debut on February 22, 2024. In the works since 2021, this groundbreaking exhibition will be the museum’s first major exhibition dedicated to contemporary American fashion, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy of Newark’s fashion scene.
Featuring the work of 11 fashion designers with deep ties to Newark, including Narciso Rodriguez, Stephen Burrows and Project Runway finalist Xavi Ruiz, the exhibition pays tribute to the city’s deep roots in the clothing and jewelry industries. Through carefully selected designs, archival footage and oral histories, “The Story of Newark Fashion” highlights the city’s pivotal role in shaping the global fashion world.
At the center of the exhibit is a mock runway display showcasing the groundbreaking designs of Newark native Stephen Burrows. Renowned as one of the leading designers of disco era fashion, Burrows’ influence reverberates throughout the fashion world. Nine of his garments symbolically “walked” down the Paris runway, paying tribute to his historic presentation at the Battle of Versailles in 1973, a turning point in fashion history.
In addition to Burroughs’ contributions, the exhibition will explore Newark’s rich history as a center of creativity and innovation in the contemporary fashion world for more than 75 years. From the ateliers of pioneering designers Wesley Tan and Emily Miles in the 1950s and 1960s to the contemporary designers shaping the industry today, Newark’s fashion heritage will be celebrated and contextualized within the global fashion story.
Guest curated by Black fashion historian Kristen J. Owens and curatorial advisor Tracey “Africa” Norman, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of fashion in Newark. International runway star and Newark native Norman lends her expertise and personal insight to the project, further highlighting the city’s lasting impact on fashion.
“We are honored to bring together 46 incredible looks from two generations of Newark fashion pioneers,” said Catherine Evans, associate director of collections and curatorial strategy at the Newark Museum of Art. “The centerpiece of the exhibition installation is a mock runway where Stephen Burrows’ costumes ‘walk’ down the runway, evocative of his extraordinary role in the Battle of Versailles in 1973. Their vibrant originality speaks to Newark’s defining presence in the fashion industry.”
“After years of planning, we are thrilled to present this groundbreaking exhibition celebrating Stephen Burroughs and the role Newark talent has played in the fashion world for more than 70 years,” adds Linda C. Harrison, director and CEO of the Newark Museum of Art. “If fashion is a fabric of history, its major threads have been woven by lesser-known designers who have lived and created in the Newark area. We are thrilled to present these incredible designers at a museum where community is at the heart of what we do. Participatory culture – the building of social bonds, a shared identity, a sense of agency, an attachment to place – are all foundational to the power of community. We invite you to join us!”
“Newark Fashion Stories: From Atelier to Runway” is made possible through generous support from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, the Cobey Foundation and McKinsey & Co. The exhibition is a testament to the creativity, innovation and resilience of Newark’s fashion community, showcasing the bold innovators who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Newark’s fashion heritage and pay tribute to the designers who have shaped the city’s distinctive style for generations. “The Story of Newark Fashion: From Atelier to Runway” is a groundbreaking exhibition that will have a lasting impact on the fashion world, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of fashion, history and culture.
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