“Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” at the Costume Institute, Metropolitan Museum, New York, through September 5

On a recent trip to Manhattan I visited an enchanting exhibition, “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” at the Costume Institute in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ethereal music played in the background as a crowd of fashion enthusiasts jostled for a spot to view a lavish, ivory-hued train embellished with gold embroidery. Karl Lagerfeld designed this wedding ensemble for the House of Chanel’s haute couture line for Fall/Winter 2014-2015. It's what you'll see first when entering the exhibition before moving through a series of galleries with garments representing different techniques including toiles, pleating, feather work and lacework.

All text and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession

The Costume Institute/Anna Wintour Costume Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, New York. (212) 535-7710, www.metmuseum.org

“Kukula: The Tapestry Show,” opens Friday, September 2 at 111 Minna Gallery, S.F.

The solo exhibition, “Kukula: The Tapestry Show,” features large-scale tapestries depicting images from the artist's paintings. In her works, females more reminiscent of super feminine dolls inhabit scenes dotted with items that are both straightforward or contain symbolic meaning. 

Born in a small village outside Tel Aviv, Kukula draws influences from the aristocracy of 19th century France. 

Opening reception 5 p.m.-late, Friday, September 5. Through September 30. 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St., S.F. 415.974.1719, www.111minnagallery.com.

Images courtesy of the 111 Minna Gallery.

"Octopussy," (2016), design for tapestry, by Kukula

"Last Party," (2016), design for tapestry, by Kukula

"Hazing," (2016), design for tapestry, by Kukula



"Fruit Bowl," (2016), design for tapestry, by Kukula