Fashion Events/ Ehibits while we are in NYC

Through March 29
Alta Moda by Mario Testino
Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, 684 Park Ave., 212-628-0420
Mario Testino is one of fashion's most celebrated photographers around. This exhibition of his work draws on Testino’s Peruvian roots, focusing on the colorful hand-woven costumes from the mountain region of his native country. The images—bold and fashion-forward—are inspired by another Peruvian photographer, Martin Chambi.

Through April 20
Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger
Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777
Avid couture jewelry collector Barbara Berger may have one of the most coveted collections around. Her loot includes custom-made necklaces, brooches and bracelets from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior—all meant to be worn with haute couture. The pieces are further highlighted in a new book, Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger.

Through April 30
Trend-ology
The Museum at FIT, Seventh Avenue and West 27th Street, 212-217-4558
Trends may come and go, but in the fashion industry nothing ever really goes out of style for too long. Trend-ology focuses on a 250-year-old trend cycle—starting in the 18th century—and follows the emergence (and reemergence) of trends up into the current period. This exhibition features 100 flash-in-the-pan pieces including a tartan dress made in the early 1700s, a chunky gold Chanel necklace inspired by Salt-N-Pepa and a Murakami-designed Louis Vuitton satchel that was replicated ad nauseam. The show also touches on how trends develop and spread through various channels such as art, music and film, and how fast-fashion stores like H&M and Zara have contributed to the world of passé and beguiling trends.

Ongoing
Gilded New York
The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., 212-534-1672
The Gilded Age in America was marked by industrialization and immense economic growth, which attracted immigrants from all over Europe. It was a period of poverty for many and ostentatious displays of wealth for some. This exhibition explores the mark the upper echelon left in NYC through costumes, jewelry, portraits and ornamental objects created from the mid-1870s through the early 20th century. The exhibition further surveys the establishment of the retail and luxury marketplace that can be credited with the City's place in the global fashion world.

February 7–April 19
Elegance in an Age of Crisis: Fashions of the 1930s
The Museum at FIT, Seventh Avenue and West 27th Street, 212-217-4558
Clothing in the 1930s was modest, elegant and innovative, reflecting the socio-economic environment of the time. Women's fashion began to shy away from the glamorous decadence and boxiness of clothing in the 20s, into a more streamlined, slim-fitting and feminine silhouette. This exhibition examines the role that bespoke designers, couturiers and dressmakers had on fashion during this era and the swath of new textiles and materials used to create much softer and lighter garments. Along with women's wear, this exhibition also surveys the techniques that emerged in menswear and tailoring during this time.

Bill Cunningham: The Façades Project 
The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., 212-873-3400
Long before street-style bloggers, there was Bill Cunningham. The street photographer's impromptu fashion shots graced the pages of the Chicago Tribune and Women's Wear Daily, but he became a regular contributor to The New York Times after a candid shot of Greta Garbo in a well-cut coat caught the eye of Times editor Arthur Gelb. The Façades Project is an exhibition of Cunningham's eight-year-long photo essay work (titled Façades), which includes photographs of models dressed in period costumes against historic architectural backdrops.