By Elazar Abrahams
Made it to MetLife Stadium for the Eras Tour and want to keep that high going? Or more likely, couldn’t score tickets to Taylor Swift’s tristate area stop this past weekend and feeling down? Whether you survived the Ticketmaster queue or not, the Museum of Arts and Design has just the exhibition for you: ‘Taylor Swift: Storyteller,’ is currently on display through September 4 at the Manhattan gallery.
Located right in Columbus Circle, the installation is a career-spanning look at the 12-time Grammy winner, featuring her most famous outfits, jewelry, and accessories throughout 10 studio albums and several international tours. From the “Shake It Off” cheerleader and ballerina costumes to the sparkling dress from “Bejeweled,” as well as items from the “Fearless” and “Red” eras, every fan will find one of their favorites here.
Those scoffing at the supposed cultural relevance of Swift should think twice. According to a press release from the museum, “Taylor’s emotional songwriting is the catalyst for the captivating worlds she brings to life on stage and screen through exquisitely crafted costumes, inventive stage design, and imaginative iconography. Swift has discussed the pressures that female musicians feel to constantly alter their public images, and regularly addresses gender norms in her videos, performances, and public appearances. Whether dressed down in a flannel shirt and untamed hair or literally dazzling her audiences in head-to-toe Swarovski crystals, Taylor gives greater meaning to the palettes, textures, and depths of feeling expressed in her songwriting.”
My favorite part of the exhibit is the two-item pairing of Swift’s “Folklore” shirt and “Evermore” coat, which she wore on those respective album covers. I consider that phase of her career to be her best work to date, and seeing those garments displayed as artifacts was quite cool.
The space is small, perhaps a bit less than fans may be anticipating after shelling out $25 to gain access to the third floor of the museum. But the curators have really made the most of the minimal square footage, covering each side of the room with Taylor’s lyrics, soundtracking the area with her songs and playing the music videos, and really filling up the glass encasements with as many outfits and props as possible. Paired with a walkthrough of the rest of MAD’s offerings, this experience is well worth it for anyone who considers themselves a Swiftie.
Find tickets and more information HERE.
TV and City 