Image credit: metmuseum.org
Last week, The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled it's special fashion-focused exhibition entitled Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology, which explores the dichotomy between handmade (manus) and machine-made (machina) in the creation of fashion. This year's exhibit features over 150 pieces of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear dating from the 1880s to present day.
In honor of this show, we've teamed up with Olivia Kim (Vice President of Creative Projects at Nordstrom / consultant to the curation the Manus x Machina exhibition store) to develop a 6-piece collection inspired by the materials and production techniques that are explored throughout this exhibit. Without further ado, we are excited to present to you The Manus x Machina Collection.
MANUS
From Latin
manus (“hand”)
Image credit: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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RAVEN (LE)
Limited Edition: A spellbinding black with green iridescent shimmer calling to mind the opulent designs for evening showcased within the Manus x Machina exhibition. This multi-dimensional nail lacquer was inspired by such diverse materials as feathers, satin, and vinyl used in haute couture embellishments.
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MOON DUST (LE)
Limited Edition: A chameleon silver foil made with superfine sterling silver pigment. This universally flattering nail lacquer shade is both futuristic and ancient, lending an otherworldly elegance to the wearer with dazzling iridescence and a nod to the power of the hand in space-age design.
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PRET-A-PEARL (LE)
Limited Edition: A soft white shade with a rouge-pink sheen, this refined lacquer is inspired by the subtle iridescence of mother-of-pearl. Known for its luster, strength, and resilience, this prized natural material has been used in fashion for centuries, inspiring various synthetic imitations.
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MANUS NAIL LACQUER SET (LE)
Limited Edition: A trio of Manus x Machina nail lacquers packaged in a black gift box; includes Raven, Moon Dust and Pret-A-Pearl
MACHINA
From Ancient Greek
makhaná (“machine, tool”)
Image credit: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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TULLE (LE)
Limited Edition: A light pink-beige crème inspired by the dichotomy of precision and lightness embodied in handmade accents from the various haute couture métiers, including dentellerie (lacemaking), parurier floral (artificial flowers), plissage (pleating), and plumasserie (featherwork).
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ULTRASONIC (LE)
Limited Edition: A sheer linen-white inspired by designer toiles which serve as working prototypes for finished fashion designs. This foundational shade pays homage to the creative process, providing buildable coverage and a perfect blank canvas for nail art.
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LASER JET (LE)
Limited Edition: A sparkling black holographic glitter topper that can be used alone for opaque coverage or layered for a shimmering effect. This high-tech lacquer is inspired by the machine-like perfection achieved in hand-beading and embellishment of both couture and prêt-à-porter garments.
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MACHINA NAIL LACQUER SET (LE)
Limited Edition: A trio of Manus x Machina nail lacquers packaged in a black gift box; includes Tulle, Ultrasonic and Laser Jet
Individual Bottles, $15
Available in-store only at The Met Store: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York City
3-Piece Gift Sets, $42
Available online only at
store.metmuseum.org (shipping to US residents)
Through Aug 14, or while supplies last.
About
Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology is on view from May 5 to Aug 14 in the Robert Lehman Wing of The Met Fifth Avenue (1000 5th Ave, New York City). Your purchase supports The Met's collection, study, conservation, and presentation of 5,000 years of art.
Image credit: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
"Developed exclusively for The Met Store, the colors of each set are inspired by many pieces on view in the exhibition and with fun names like Pret-a-Pearl, Moon Dust, and Ultrasonic. Mix and match them across all of your fingers!"
-- Olivia Kim, consultant to the curation of the
Manus x Machina exhibition store
Image credit: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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