Textiles and Fashion

Since its foundation, the MAKK has specifically collected high-quality textiles.

Textiles and fashion are cultural carriers of a special kind, which naturally belong in the immediate context of all other art genres of a Museum of Applied Arts. As an expression of designed life, historical or contemporary textiles and costumes not only illustrate the stylistic characteristics of a particular epoch, but also the conditions that shaped the period in which they were created. The art of man's “second skin”, fashion, also reveals fundamental insights into the self-confidence, body image and personal taste of its wearers. It is an innovative and creative means of self-expression and even of artistically shaping oneself.

Over time, this collection has developed into one of the most extensive in the museum. From Coptic fabrics to Brussels lace, from Oriental silks to works by contemporary* artists, the collection includes impressive examples of textile art, including primarily Italian, German and French silks from the 13th to 18th centuries, early Rhenish textile prints from the 14th century, important examples of Cologne-Rhenish and Italian borders from the 15th and 16th centuries as well as outstanding oriental carpets and occidental tapestries. 

The collection of historical fashion includes a few dresses from the second half of the 18th century and examples from the period between 1830 and 1930: Empire, Biedermeier and Historicism costumes as well as magnificent Art Nouveau and Art Deco gowns. The fashion of the 20th century is represented by outstanding models from well-known fashion designers such as Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, Jeanne Lanvin, Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent and Jil Sander. Fashion in the 21st century, on the other hand, presents the MAKK with new challenges, as fashion is changing rapidly and is spread globally via the latest communication media. Outstanding designs by renowned*, contemporary*, diverse designers are particularly desirable for the MAKK's costume collection in the future to complement the collection.