Andrew Bolton’s ‘Costume Art’ at the Met Includes Custom Curve Mannequins by Sinéad O’Dwyer and Karoline Vitto
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute opened its inaugural exhibition in newly expanded galleries, 'Costume Art,' pairing garments with works from across the Met’s collection. Andrew Bolton personally contacted designers Sinéad O’Dwyer and Karoline Vitto, commissioning custom mannequins based on real models Jade O’Belle and Charlie Reynolds to accurately represent non-sample-size bodies. The exhibition uses the term 'corpulent' after consultation with the designers, who debate the language around body representation. O’Dwyer and Vitto discuss the significance of having their work archived in a museum, the ongoing effects of GLP-1 drugs on fashion castings, and the hope that the exhibition shifts focus from bodies to craft. The mannequins will be used in future shows, not limited to curve brands. 'Costume Art' runs until January 10, 2027.
Key facts
- Andrew Bolton personally contacted Sinéad O’Dwyer and Karoline Vitto about participating in the exhibition.
- The exhibition features custom mannequins body-scanned from real models Jade O’Belle and Charlie Reynolds.
- The term 'corpulent' was chosen for the exhibition after consultation with the designers.
- Karoline Vitto noted the impact of GLP-1 drugs on fashion castings since 2022-2023.
- The mannequins will be used in future Met exhibitions, not just for this show.
- Sinéad O’Dwyer expressed exhaustion but found hope in the exhibition's interdisciplinary approach.
- The exhibition includes a book with interviews of the models who lent their bodies to the project.
- 'Costume Art' is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York until 10 January 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Karoline Vitto
- Sinéad O’Dwyer
- Andrew Bolton
- Jade O’Belle
- Charlie Reynolds
- Sinéad Burke
- Henry Moore
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Costume Institute
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- AnOther
Locations
- New York
- United States