If anyone here plans to visit New York City between now and May 10th, there's an excellent exhibit going on at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The exhibit is titled "His & Hers" and it "explores changing perceptions of 'masculine' and 'feminine' dress from the mid-18th century to the present. Side-by-side comparisons of men’s and women’s clothing highlight their differences—and similarities."

Of particular interest to steampunks will be the clothing on exhibit from the 19th century. I visited the exhibit yesterday, and there were a couple of smart Victorian-era women's suits that I definitely would wear. All fashions are displayed on manikins and admittance to the exhibit is entirely FREE!

A separate (also free admittance) exhibit on Japanese fashion is also having an extended run (through April 2nd) at the Museum. Anyone here into Gothic Lolita will enjoy this exhibit as well.

Museum address is:

Seventh Avenue at 27th Street
Manhattan, New York
Information phone: 212-217-4558

Hours:

Tuesday through Friday: 12:00 noon to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Museum is closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.

If you take the train/subway to nearby Penn Station, you'll be coming out onto Seventh Avenue and 31st Street, just a short walk to the Museum. On the way, if you're hungry and looking for good and inexpensive eats, check out The Loving Hut (348 Seventh Ave., between 30th and 29th Streets). Their menu (entirely vegan) is amazing. I had the steamed dumplings and spicy lentil soup yesterday – delicious! The elegant and gracious co-owner, Lisa Wang, is there on weekends, and she serves up a bracing cup of black (or green) tea. If stronger brew is more your style, after your quick bite at The Loving Hut you can saunter along to the Triple Crown Pub (330 Seventh Ave., between 29th and 28th Streets) before reaching the Museum.

It all adds up to an entertaining (and very inexpensive) New York City outing.

-- Nephele

Wow! Thanks, Nephele, for looking out for everyone - and their wallets! The exhibit sounds great... I hope someone here goes, and takes photos (if it's permitted).

Things like this that make me wish I either lived in NYC or had enough money to go visit.

Thanks for telling us about it, Nephele. I echo Minnie: I hope someone goes (and takes pictures if possible!)

Minnie and Midi, I'm sorry to say that they don't allow picture-taking at the Museum, else I would've taken a LOT of pictures for y'all.

-- Nephele

That's why I included my qualifier - I figured you would certainly have gone to town on our behalf! Never mind, then... I hope people get to see it with their own eyes.

Hmmm... Wonder if they have an online catalogue?

They do allow sketching (you always see a lot of design students sketching at the museum), but I'm not artistic enough to try that.

Here is their website

And I found an online exhibition for the Japan Fashion exhibit

-- Nephele

Thanks!

Actually, I have to say I love the Yves Saint Laurent tux from 1982.

But the French brocade three-piece court suit is absolutely beautiful. I would have loved cross-dressing in the 18th century!

Thanks Nephele. It's a shame about the pictures, but it is understandable.

Thanks Nephele.

I plan on taking my kids to the exhibit. FIT is like 3 blocks away from my church.

Lucky you! I love that area of the city! (Well, there are very few areas of NYC that I don't love.)

-- Nephele