THE HAGUE.- This new fashion exhibition will feature both original costumes from the iconic 1997 film Titanic and never-before displayed clothing and accessories from the museum’s collection of objects from the era, as well as work by contemporary designers who have applied their talents to the romantic clothing worn more than a century ago. Fashion fanatics can immerse themselves in the distinct clothing styles of the 1910s. For those with an interest in the Titanic itself, the exhibition will include a number of unique historical objects. And for those eager for a more in-depth look at the topic, there will be an extensive programme of visitor events.

The Last Dance

Everyone knows the story of the ‘unsinkable’ ship that ended its maiden voyage on the bottom of the North Atlantic. This event, recounted in Titanic (1997) through the lens of Rose and Jack’s timeless love story, and through the film’s famous and award-winning costumes, is deeply ingrained in our cultural memory.  

‘Why put on an exhibition about fashion in the era of Titanic today? As a decade, the 1910s exuded optimism in the form of a belief in progress and trust in technological advances. Yet migration, class differences and the threat of war were major issues as well. This was the period of ‘the last dance’, on the cusp of World War I. More than a century later, we find ourselves once again confronted with similar themes. History repeats itself, but never in exactly the same way.’ – director Margriet Schavemaker 

‘A transition was evident in the fashion of the 1910s as well, marking a shift to new colours, materials and shapes. Many of these – romantic dresses, lace, embroidery and even corsets – are currently back in style, but now for all genders. The contemporary designs on display amid the historical pieces show how today’s designers are looking back to past fashions that are soft, even dreamy. Is it possible that, in a hardened world, we need such daydreams more than ever?’ – fashion curator Madelief Hohé 

Corsets for all genders and high-fashion workwear

Designs by Tess van Zalinge, Iris van Herpen, Craig Green, John Galliano for Maison Margiela and D. Denenge Duyst-Akpem offer proof that the aesthetics and major themes from the Titanic’s day are still as relevant as ever. For Maison Margiela, John Galliano drew inspiration from the wasp-waisted silhouettes of the 1910s and put corsets on both men and women. Tess van Zalinge incorporates the corset shape into her clothing as a kind of empowerment, while Craig Green conveys a sense of strength through pieces inspired by workwear. He designed the items in this exhibition in 2019 based on the uniforms of anonymous care and emergency services workers, who Green refers to as ‘modern-day saviours or angels’. Featured works from Iris van Herpen include her visual story from the Carte Blanche collection. Poetic and surreal images from an underwater realm reflect the power of the female body.

Afrofuturism

D. Denenge Duyst-Akpem is an Afrofuturist artist and author. She integrates African history and culture with futuristic ideas and technology as a means of delving into issues including identity and potential futures. The words ‘boat’ and ‘water’ remind her of the African diaspora and the stories passed on within it. Her Camo Coat Collection explores what we can learn from those stories. How might we create a fair and sustainable existence, in harmony with nature? Two pieces from this collection, Sun and Moon, are on display in the Kunstmuseum.

Feminism and queerness – then and now

During the same time period as the Titanic, the reform movement was gaining traction. This led to less restrictive clothing for women, with no corset, befitting the modern liberated woman. For the exhibition, Cathelijne Blok (art historian, journalist and founder of TittyMag) has selected a number of pieces belonging to contemporary Dutch feminists. The clothing on display belongs to Clarice Gargard, Maha Eljak and Naaz, among others. Splinter Chabot has also lent the museum a personal creation, made by Peter George d'Angelino Tap. Through this clothing, Chabot wants to enhance awareness of the queer community – and increase their safety. This outfit includes a corset as a symbol of the restrictive societal norms that trap us, while the pantdress transcends ingrained gender roles. The T-shirt bears a call to action: ‘Protect The Dolls’.

Historical objects and film props

Kunstmuseum Den Haag also has unique objects in store for fans of history and the Titanic itself. Remarkably, the 1997 film made use of genuine historical material. In Titanic & Fashion, an authentic white child’s dress from 1910 is displayed alongside accessories from the film that are actual historical pieces as well.

A set of china from the film is presented next to an authentic porcelain service that was actually on board the Titanic. A ship’s doctor sent the china to his family from aboard the ship. The postcards that Rotterdam resident George Reuchlin wrote to his children while he was on the Titanic are part of the exhibition as well.