Going Formal

“The Tuxedo Redefined: Formality, Fluidity and Femininity,” a new exhibition presented by NYU Steinhardt’s Costume Studies program, will be shown at 80 Washington Square East in New York from Jan. 11 to Feb. 5. The show explores how the tuxedo has been incorporated into women’s fashion.

Since the tuxedo was first introduced in the 19th century, it has evolved into the standard for men’s semiformal attire. “The Tuxedo Redefined” explores how women have appropriated the tradition of men’s black-tie attire, and the ways in which the garment has served as a tool for provocation that can reflect transformative notions of gender, class, and sexual identity.

The exhibit features clothing, accessories, photographs and films that demonstrate the reach of the tuxedo. For example, there’s a 1987 Chanel dress by Karl Lagerfeld, as well as fashion advertising and imagery for designer brands such as Yves