MUDE preview

MUDE is the new Design and Fashion Museum which will open to the public at the end of 2010 in Lisbon: 3,000 square meters, 2,000 items of design and 1,200 of fashion purchased from collector Francisco Capelo. But before the grand opening, they installed a preview exhibit “Ante-estreia”, between the 'ruins' - as the building is underconstruction, with just a few pieces from the collection. Mixing the unfinished look of the building with art and design works just perfect in the heart of Baixa area.

The temporary exhibition, hosted in the same building that is going to be remodeled very soon - the former headquarters of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino - seemed to me a little bit chaotic in terms of inside arrangement&placing but interesting in terms of content. Like a journey through time, one could identify the trends and directions in the 21st century, the search for innovation and close ties to the consumer and advertising worlds , follow transformations in cutting technique, research in new fabrics and materials, stylistic trends and the revolution of the silhouette or discover how ideologies and music were influencing the style of living and fashion.

My top 5 - it is impossible to find the first 3 on Internet, so this is a more powerful reason to really visit the exhibition. The pictures belong to MUDE catalog.

Semour Troy, Troylings Oxford Shoes, 1940

Tejo Remy, You can't lay down your memory drawer

Hubert de Givenchy, 50s evening dress

Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot, gramophone radio Braun SK4, 1956

Fernando and Huberto Campana plush chair, 2003

The upper floor hosted a political portraits exhibition which was very good. It was interesting to see different political leaders (sometimes rivals) categorized by the communication&advertising strategy they applied in their campaign.

The museum aims to trace the history of design and fashion from the 1930s to the present: apparel, footwear and accessories, furniture and small everyday objects, both unique and mass-produced, reflect the 20th century’s major design trends and movements.

In the future it is planned to extend the museum to the upper floors, including the terrace, where one can enjoy a magnificent view of the downtown and the river Tejo. A project to adapt to the work of museum architects Ricardo Carvalho and Joana Vilhena. Can't wait to see the results!