The Shakers: A World in the Making
The Shakers: A World in the Making
07.06.2025 – 28.09.2025
Vitra Design Museum
In summer 2025, the Vitra Design Museum will present a major exhibition about the unique design culture fostered in the United States by the Shakers. Established in the eighteenth century, this free church community embraced social equality, egalitarianism, and communalism. The design philosophy that sprang from their ideals and the radically simple and functional objects produced in the Shaker community have been critical in shaping modern design, inspiring generations of designers, artists, and architects. In the face of the crises and conflicts that confront us today, the Shakers’ combination of utopianism and pragmatism proves its enduring relevance. Designed by Formafantasma, the exhibition will feature numerous fascinating Shaker objects illuminating their cultural context while a selection of contemporary art and design positions will engage the Shaker legacy in an exciting dialogue.
Image: Elder's Rocking Chair, ca. 1850-70, Vitra Design Museum
Catwalk!
Catwalk!
25.10.2025 – 15.02.2026
Vitra Design Museum
Fashion shows are the magical moments in fashion industry – they are marketing machines and social events, deeply poetic and highly commercialized at the same time. Their images spread across the globe in real time, shaping our cultural memory. Following ever-changing concepts and narratives, they unite stage design, performance, clothing, light, and sound into a temporary Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art. The exhibition »Catwalk!« explores the fascinating evolution of the fashion show and offers a look behind the scenes: from its beginnings in couturiers’ salons around 1900 to the spectacular events of the twenty-first century; from haute couture to prêt-à-porter; from the era of supermodels to the celebration of diversity; from classic catwalk photography to the virtual fashion show. Through film and photo footage, original runway pieces, invitations, and stage props, the exhibition brings groundbreaking fashion shows back to life – including shows by Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Comme des Garçons, Dior, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan, Martin Margiela, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more.
Image: Chanel, Fashion Show, Spring-Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear, Paris © Helmut Fricke
