All of Everything, Todd Oldham Fashion

A couple weekends ago my husband, Andrew, and I visited the Wexner Center to see the current exhibit, All of Everything, Todd Oldham Fashion. Though Andrew was a bit reluctant since clothes and fashion aren’t really his thing, he said he found all the background info on each piece to be quite interesting and dare I say, he even liked an outfit or two (like this one below).

I agree with him that the process was just as fascinating, if not more, than the finished product. I too, liked many of the pieces, but would probably not fit in to too many of them (being somewhat height-challenged and not a size 0).

the one on the left is probably the only one I could wear that wouldn't get too many stares

I loved all the colors and creativity that went into creating them and only wish some were available in stores, or that I was talented (or patient) enough with a sewing machine to create my own off-beat wardrobe.

According to the Wexner Center website, “A joyous exhibition....Just about every piece in the show contains a stunning detail, surprise, or secret told....They are as astonishing today as they were on the runway.”—Wall Street Journal on All of Everything

Immerse yourself in the brilliant imagination, irreverent wit, and meticulous craft of an American fashion icon. Featuring more than 70 ensembles, All of Everything explores Todd Oldham’s exuberantly styled, extravagantly embellished fashions from the 1990s. The first major museum retrospective of his work, this exhibition makes its only Midwest stop at the Wex.

In a single decade—from 1989 to 1999—Oldham blazed through the New York fashion world, reshaping the runway landscape with opulent garments inspired by everything from Persian carpets to thrift-store finds. This celebration of using “everything” is central to his aesthetic. Taking an audacious turn away from the minimalist tendencies of 1990s fashion, Oldham delighted in incorporating vibrant shades, dense patterns, and a near-promiscuous range of materials in his garments, giving them a sculptural quality and visual heft. His choice of runway talent was also forward-thinking: Oldham was among the first to work with African American models Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell as well as rising stars Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington.

Surrounded by installations of his ensembles, displays of custom accessories, and hours of runway footage, you’ll be dazzled by sequins and Swarovski crystals, fine hand embroidery and a dress made of pipe cleaners, and a recent, one-of-a-kind gown made in collaboration with students from the Rhode Island School of Design. Oldham himself designed the exhibition and wrote labels for each ensemble, providing firsthand insight into his creations, which as RISD curator Kate Irvin observes, “resonate with thought, feeling, and a profound commitment to fully exploring potential and possibilities.”

For those living in the area who are interested in taking in the exhibit, you still have a few weeks left as it will be at the Wexner Center until April 15th. If you do go, allow yourself plenty of time to read some of the plaques (like this one:)

as it definitely gives you an appreciation for what you see in front of them.

Here’s a link to my collection of exhibit photos on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/authorwannabe/albums/72157692552806321