num_pages: 160
description: From Wonder Womans satin stars and golden bracelets to Batmans brooding cape and mask the style of superheroes dress has influenced both street wear and high fashion. This richly illustrated book explores how radical couture avant-garde sportswear and state-of-the-art military garmentsas seen through the lens of the superherocan be metaphors for sex power and politics. Beginning with the origins of the superhero costume this volume looks at how designers have been influenced by iconographic components such as the cape mask boots and unitard. Costumes such as those worn by Batman and Catwoman are examined as reflections of sexual and physical prowess while others most notably those of Superman and Captain America are analyzed as political propaganda. Superheroes also explores superpowers and their manifestationsliteral symbolic or metaphorical: Flashs speed Iron Mans invulnerability Hulks strength and Spidermans agility are presented in their fantastical evocations. Featured designers include Pierre Cardin John Galliano Azzedine Alaia Giorgio Armani Hussein Chalayan Alexander McQueen Nicolas Ghesquiere Jean Paul Gaultier Comme des Garons and Walter van Beirendonck.
language: English
title: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art