Antwerp exhibition explores women's fashion and interior design

A new exhibition in Antwerp highlights the connection between women's fashion and home decor in the 19th century. Titled "Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair," it opens at MoMu next weekend. Curator Romy Cocx explains that women were often seen as responsible for decorating the home while men worked outside. The exhibition showcases how modernism in interior design changed women's fashion. This shift allowed women to wear more comfortable and less traditional clothing. It looks at designers like Raf Simons, who incorporated furniture design into his fashion collections, showing how designers often mix their inspirations from both fields. Recent fashion shows, like Prada's, reflect these themes. The Milan show featured a floral carpet and awkwardly fitting garments, which challenge traditional ideas of femininity. The exhibition emphasizes that the strict dress codes of the past have loosened, benefiting women's fashion the most. Designer Erica Toogood focuses on creating practical clothing that reflects her style. She believes home textiles should look like the person living in a space. The exhibition also explores other influential figures, like Ann Demeulemeester and Martin Margiela, who blend the ideas of fashion and interior aesthetics. Today, trends in interiors and fashion have shifted towards simplicity and affordability. However, haute couture designers still create bold statements. For instance, Giles Deacon recently designed upholstery fabrics and a unique gown, showing how interior elements can inspire fashion narratives. Cocx notes that people now have the freedom to create their own environments. The exhibition encourages visitors to focus on personal style rather than societal expectations. "Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair" will be at MoMu from March 29 to August 3.