STEPHEN BURROWS: WHEN FASHION DANCED

Closely-spaced lines of white fabric form volumetric clouds in conjunction with costume displays creating spatial intrigue as part of this boldly immersive gallery setting. 

The installation of Stephen Burrows’ fashion centers around a series of spatial volumes related to the themes of his designs—silhouette, color, and movement as well as a fourth area dedicated to signature details of his highly personal aesthetic. The upper zone of the room features a dense series of sheer, linear fabric panels that form a cloud of carved vaults for lighting. As the layers pull back from the ceiling plane, their staggered edges create dramatic overlapping readings and a chiaroscuro effect in the light. The bold colors of the dresses pop against this white palette. Black matte mannequins are displayed on oval plinths, their supports hidden under fragmented reflections from glass aggregate spread over platform surfaces. Playfully dispersed large overlapping circles—sometimes containing photography— articulate the perimeter walls. This 70s era collage of the ceiling sculpture, platforms and graphics complement Burrows’ designs and create an environment of dazzle and intensity that summons the disco world in which he worked. 

The challenge behind this exhibit entailed creating a dramatic architectural solution, that as a temporary museum installation, had to be removable, light on the existing finishes, and economical.

We extend a special thank you to Stephen Burrow who was always there for the design team to talk to his design inspiration. You helped imbue the gallery with your joyous fashion sensibility. It was an honor to work with you.