Heavenly Bodies at Saks
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest costume exhibition, "Heavenly Bodies," explores Christianity's influence on fashion— and Saks Fifth Avenue is celebrating the installation.
In collaboration with Vogue, the department store is echoing its longtime neighbor, Patrick's Cathedral, by decking out six of its store windows with glimmering, haunting ecclesiastical scenes.
According to Vogue international editor at large Hamish Bowles, the windows are intended to "draw on the spiritually uplifting aesthetics and powerful use of color seen in historic religious art and stained glass windows." "[We wanted to] create contemporary environments that showcase a curated collection of iconic pieces from designers' archives," he added.
Saks Fifth Avenue fashion director Roopal Patel said it took months to design the displays, which include ensembles from designers like Valentino, Versace and Chanel. "Every decision, from the window displays to props to archival pieces, must illustrate the fusion between fashion and the devotional practices of Catholicism, respectfully," said Patel. The glass of each window display features an inscription of where to check out the full clothing exhibition.
On top of the Saks brand benefitting from the close association to the Met Gala, the department store is also using its prime location to convert passing pedestrians to museum visitors—and potentially, shoppers.
see "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" exhibition