Design Museum Holon is currently showing “The Ball,” a multi-sensory theatrical exhibition of dress and eveningwear designs. The show, on view through December 11, 2021, offers a fantastical journey through the history of balls, Western fashion, and contemporary Israeli designs.
“When developing this theme, we wanted to go beyond the traditional fashion exhibition presentation and form a new language that allows the visitors to feel as if they are both spectators and participants,” said Maya Dvash, Chief Curator of the museum.
Installation view of “Ball” at Design Museum Holon, photo by Elad Sarig, courtesy of Design Museum Holon. Pictured left to right: Orwa Shareef, “Love Is My Religion”; Liora Taragan, “Pride and Prejudice Gown”; Alon Livne, “Black Aconitum Gown.”
120 gowns and 50 accessory pieces are presented with sound, music, scenery, and lighting, creating an immersive space that encourages a dialogue with visitors revolving around Israeli fashion, culture, and society.
The exhibition is divided into four sections. “Re-sewing the History of the Ball,” features reconstructions of historical pieces by Moni Mednik, commenting on the topics of exclusion, identity, and belonging in relation to fashion. “Modern Ball: Israeli Couture” explores Israel’s eveningwear industry with works by Alon Livne, Shai Shalom, Victor Vivi, Bellaish and Gadi Elimelech, Shahar Avnet, Lihi Hod, Brurya Haritan, and Orwa Shareef. “Heart of Glass: A Journey in the Footsteps of Cinderella’s Shoes” illustrates the cultural incarnations and futuristic ideas about Cinderella’s slippers with 3D printed models executed by the Assaf Reeb. The final part, “The Whipped-Cream Room and the Mad Hatter,” showcases work by milliner Maor Zabar and pastry chef Alon Shabo, including dessert-inspired hats and large cake sculptures.
Installation view of “Ball” at Design Museum Holon, photo by Elad Sarig, courtesy of Design Museum Holon. Pictured left to right: Maor Zabar, hats; Alon Shab, desserts.
“The Ball” goes beyond the opulent surface of fashion design, and delves into its connection with the community of designers and users. “The impressive reach of Israel’s evening-wear industry reflects a local sensibility centered on love, and perhaps also a deep and powerful need for celebrations and parties, as an escape from everyday life, placing significant importance on celebrating the moment,” said curator Ya’ara Keydar.
Installation view of “Ball” at Design Museum Holon, photo by Elad Sarig, courtesy of Design Museum Holon. Lihi Hod, Shlomi Anteby, Maya Naé, “If You Will It, It Is A Fairy Tale.”
Installation view of “Ball” at Design Museum Holon, photo by Elad Sarig, courtesy of Design Museum Holon. Pictured left to right: Luci David, “Jeanne d’Arc’s Ball Gown”; Shai Shalom, “Gown composed of 15,000 Israeli coins”; Alon Livne, “Beauty Cage: Metal Corset”; Studio Mira Zwilinger, “Celeste: Flutter-sleeved top and A-line skirt”; Studio Mira Zwilinger, “Laya Ball Gown”; Studio Mira Zwilinger, “Aiden Ball Gown.”
