In tandem with Fashion Week, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) proudly presents “Food & Fashion,” a captivating exhibition that delves into the intriguing intersection of culinary delights and the world of haute couture. This immersive showcase begins with a mesmerizing gallery that brilliantly highlights the intricate interplay of food-themed elements in fashion, offering visitors a glimpse into how gastronomy and style have coalesced since the 18th century.
As visitors progress through the exhibit, they are transported into an enchanting space reminiscent of a bustling food hall, replete with stalls that unravel the profound influence of food and dining on fashion throughout history. The display unveils an exquisite fusion of food and art within the realm of fashion, showcasing remarkable pieces such as Issey Miyake’s accessories meticulously crafted to resemble delectable sushi and Judith Leiber’s iconic tomato-shaped minaudière.
“Food & Fashion” navigates an array of captivating themes, including the harmonious relationship between sweets and femininity, the intriguing ties between fashion and critical societal issues such as activism and sustainability, and the fascinating notion of how one’s fashionable image dictates their culinary choices.
This thought-provoking exhibition is a collaborative creation, masterminded by Melissa Marra-Alvarez, the museum’s astute curator of education and research, and Elizabeth Way, a distinguished associate curator of costume.
In a related narrative, the culinary world is witnessing the fruitful endeavors of Dan Barber, who sowed the seeds of innovation about five years ago with the inception of Row 7 Seeds. This pioneering company embarked on a mission to cultivate vegetables that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bear the mark of collaborative efforts between chefs, farmers, and plant breeders. The result? A splendid array of novel winter squash varieties, including the delectable Honeypatch, now gracing the shelves of select stores.
Not content with merely pushing the boundaries of vegetable flavor, Row 7 Seeds has taken a giant stride forward by introducing its very own organic Row 7 Seeds vegetable line, now available in over 100 Whole Foods markets across the Northeast. Among these botanical marvels is the Sweet Garleek, a delightful cross between leek and garlic, boasting the visual elegance of a scallion, the verdant allure of a leek, and a flavor profile that marries the leek’s natural sweetness with the pungency of garlic, making it a stellar addition to stir-fries.
Furthermore, the Upstate Abundance potatoes, with their diminutive size and ivory-hued skin, exhibit a fluffy texture when cooked, setting them apart as a culinary gem. Meanwhile, the Super-sweet Badger Flame orange beets, whether served raw in salads or gently par-cooked and diced to elevate a dessert crisp, offer a burst of vibrant flavor.
Lastly, the visually striking Midnight Roma tomatoes, designed primarily for culinary applications but equally at home in a refreshing salad, and the petite yet flavorful Sweet Prince tomatoes, round out this exceptional vegetable lineup. These exceptional offerings from Row 7 Seeds are set to grace tables until the close of the year, enriching the culinary landscape with their unique flavors and innovative approaches to plant breeding and gastronomy.
