Doll Dressing: FIT Exhibition Explores Fashion's Complex Relationship with Dolls
From September 16, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the Museum at FIT in New York will host an exhibition titled 'Doll Dressing,' curated by Dr. Colleen Hill. This showcase will display more than 170 items, such as fashion dolls, clothing, and videos, featuring works from renowned designers including Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, and Moschino. The exhibition delves into the historical significance of dolls as fashion communicators dating back to the 14th century and their impact on fashion design. Divided into six sections, it highlights key pieces like a 2011 Prada mini dress, a 2000 Takara Miss Jenny doll, and a 2023 Loewe 'doll' shoe, exploring the dynamic between humans and dolls in expressing identities and fantasies.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Doll Dressing' at The Museum at FIT, New York, from September 16, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
- Curated by Dr. Colleen Hill.
- Over 170 objects on view, including fashion dolls, garments, accessories, artworks, and videos.
- Designers featured: Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Loewe, Moschino, Anna Sui.
- Dolls used as fashion messengers as early as the 14th century in Europe.
- Exhibition includes a Prada mini dress and boots from fall 2011, Takara Miss Jenny doll (2000), Mary Quant dress for 'Daisy' doll (1970s), Foale and Tuffin dress for Sindy doll (1963).
- Contemporary pieces: Moschino jacket and skirt with paper doll tabs (spring 2017), Undercover dress (fall 2003), Loewe 'doll' shoe (2023).
- Rootstein Twiggy mannequin, 2025 remake of 1966 design, included.
- Six sections trace the evolution of dolls from companions to muses to darker interpretations.
- Exhibition explores reciprocal influence between dolls and fashion.
- Kinderwhore aesthetic of the 1990s and Monster High dolls are referenced.
Entities
Artists
- Dr. Colleen Hill
- Jeremy Scott
- Jun Takahashi
- Jonathan Anderson
- Martin Margiela
- Mary Quant
- Foale and Tuffin
Institutions
- The Museum at FIT
- Balenciaga
- Comme des Garçons
- Maison Martin Margiela
- Loewe
- Moschino
- Anna Sui
- Prada
- Takara
- Model Toys/Flair Toys
- Pedigree
- Rootstein
- Undercover
- Twiggy London Girl
Locations
- New York
- United States