Form, Fabric, and Freedom

Fashion is more than just a physical covering—it is an outward expression of who we are, who we aspire to become, and how we navigate the spaces between. In this digital age, as AI and virtual realms unfold, fashion transcends the corporeal. The TextielMuseum in Tilburg steps in with its latest exhibition, SHAPE – body, fashion, identity, guiding visitors through an exploration of the malleability of the body in our increasingly technological world. Through sculptural fashion, body-centric art, and experimental installations, the exhibition shatters constructs and presents the body as a dynamic canvas.

At the heart of SHAPE are three interconnected themes: “the vulnerable body, gender diversity, and the hybrid body.” Each piece in the exhibition resonates with these themes, addressing contemporary dialogues around body politics and identity fluidity. A key voice in the exhibition is the multidisciplinary British artist Daisy Collingridge, who turns away from the hyper-aestheticism of plastic surgery and bodybuilding to root her work in the natural human form.

In contrast, the works of Danish designer Henrik Vibskov, Dutch designer Marlou Breuls (House of Rubber), and Belgian digital designer Elmo Mistiaen explore the intersection of humanity and technology. The TextielLab, the professional workshop of the TextielMuseum, played a crucial role in supporting their visions, from initial sketches to final realizations. Visitors are also invited into this creative bubble to witness the intricate process firsthand. To top things off, SHAPE is set in a breathtaking landscape designed by Studio Harm Rensink in collaboration with Elmo Mistiaen, making the experience all the more immersive.

SHAPE challenges us to rethink the body as both a vessel and a vision—now, and in the spaces yet to be imagined.

Don’t miss SHAPE at the TextielMuseum from November 16th running till March 30th 2025.