FIT's "Doll Dressing" Traces How Dolls Shaped Fashion from the 14th Century to Today
"Doll Dressing," set to open on September 16, 2026, and running until January 3, 2027, at The Museum at FIT, delves into the relationship between dolls and fashion from the 20th and 21st centuries. Curated by Dr. Colleen Hill, the exhibit showcases more than 170 items, including fashion dolls, clothing, and creations from designers such as Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs. It examines the impact of dolls on fashion since the 14th century and explores the notion of "doll dressing" in relation to identity and personal style, organized around six key themes. Additionally, a complimentary symposium on November 13, 2026, will host conversations with designers and scholars, supported by the Couture Council of MFIT.
Key facts
- "Doll Dressing" runs at The Museum at FIT from September 16, 2026, to January 3, 2027
- The exhibition features more than 170 objects, including fashion dolls, full-size garments, accessories, videos, and artworks
- Dr. Colleen Hill, senior curator of costume at MFIT, curated the show
- Designers and labels represented include Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Patrick Kelly, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Anna Sui, and Undercover
- The exhibition's six themes are "Fashion Doll Foundations," "Modes in Miniature," "Playing with Dolls," "The Dollhouse," "All Dolled Up," and "Broken Dolls"
- Dolls served as miniature fashion models in Europe as early as the 14th century
- A free "Doll Dressing" symposium takes place November 13, 2026, with reservations encouraged due to limited space
- The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT supported the exhibition
Entities
Artists
- Colleen Hill
- Balenciaga
- Comme des Garçons
- Maison Martin Margiela
- Marc Jacobs
- Patrick Kelly
- Anna Sui
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Jason Wu
- Mary Quant
- Diane von Furstenberg
- Véronique Hyland
- Mary, Queen of Scots
- Isabella d'Este of Ferrara
- Christina of Holstein-Gottorp
- Catherine of Sweden
- Maria Teresa Hart
- Twiggy
- Emily Adams Bode Aujla
- Alexander McQueen
- Hans Bellmer
- Meilan Solly
- Samantha Parkington
- Dr. Colleen Hill
- Jeremy Scott
- Jun Takahashi
- Jonathan Anderson
- Martin Margiela
- Foale and Tuffin
Institutions
- The Museum at FIT
- MFIT
- Couture Council of The Museum at FIT
- Loewe
- Louis Vuitton
- Moschino
- Undercover
- Hyperallergic
- Museum at FIT
- Mattel
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
- Jumeau
- Gaultier
- Elle
- Fashionista
- Vogue
- Smithsonian magazine
- Balenciaga
- Comme des Garçons
- Maison Martin Margiela
- Anna Sui
- Prada
- Takara
- Model Toys/Flair Toys
- Pedigree
- Rootstein
- Twiggy London Girl
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Europe
- New York City
- Great Britain
- Ferrara
- Italy