In 1968, a groundbreaking exhibition opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Entitled “Barbaric Splendor: Arts of the Dark Ages,” its purpose was to change the way people understood the artistic output of Europe’s “Dark Ages” by challenging the prevalent notion of it as a period of cultural decline. The exhibition was curated by the legendary fashion historian James Laver, and it featured a dazzling array of objects from across Europe, including jewelry, textiles, metalwork and sculpture. However, it was the fashion that would cause the most controversy. Laver had included a number of outfits from the 1960s that were inspired by the art of the Dark Ages, and the juxtaposition of these with the historical pieces created a powerful and provocative statement about the nature of fashion and the relationship between past and present..
Laver’s intention was to challenge the idea that fashion is simply a matter of copying past styles. He believed that fashion was a creative process that could be used to express new ideas and challenge conventions. The inclusion of the 1960s outfits in “Barbaric Splendor” was a way of showing that the art of the Dark Ages was not something that was fixed and unchanging, but rather a living tradition that could be reinterpreted and reimagined in new and exciting ways..
The exhibition was a huge success, and it helped to change the way people thought about the “Dark Ages.” It also had a significant impact on fashion, and the 1960s outfits that were featured in the exhibition went on to become some of the most iconic pieces of the era..
One of the most famous outfits in the exhibition was a black velvet dress by the British designer Mary Quant. The dress was inspired by a medieval chasuble, and it featured a number of Celtic motifs. It was worn by the model Twiggy, and it became one of the defining looks of the 1960s..
Another outfit that caused a stir was a white fur coat by the American designer Rudi Gernreich. The coat was made from the skins of 100 foxes, and it was designed to look like a bear skin. It was worn by the model Peggy Moffitt, and it was one of the most controversial pieces in the exhibition..
The “Barbaric Splendor” exhibition was a groundbreaking moment in the history of fashion. It challenged the prevailing notions of fashion and the relationship between past and present. It also helped to launch the careers of some of the most important fashion designers of the 20th century..
In addition to the fashion, the exhibition also featured a number of other objects that were inspired by the art of the Dark Ages. These included jewelry, textiles, metalwork and sculpture. The exhibition was a comprehensive survey of the artistic output of Europe’s “Dark Ages,” and it helped to change the way people understood this period of history..
The “Barbaric Splendor” exhibition was a landmark moment in the history of fashion and art. It challenged the prevailing notions of fashion and the relationship between past and present. It also helped to launch the careers of some of the most important fashion designers of the 20th century. The exhibition is still considered to be one of the most important exhibitions of fashion ever held..
