Sticky Fingers BCN

Often times, little packages contain interesting proposals and such is the case with the DHUB’s ground floor exhibition space. It seems that the lack of meters is a benefit, as the shows in this area are concise, didactic and entertaining. A promise is a promise and after a few years’ wait, the Maria Brillas’ Wardrobe by Pedro Rodríguez finally has its’ moment in the spotlight.

Hilda Bencomo, granddaughter of Maria Brillas decided to donate her grandmother’s entire Pedro Rodríguez collection to the Museu Tèxtil i d’Indumentaria, 341 pieces – 183 garments and 158 accessories in total. Que me Pongo? showcases 39 outfits and a careful selection of hats. Although slightly too concise, the garments on display are beautiful and truly representative of Maria’s personal style.

¿Qué me Pongo? is divided into different sections, each representing a certain time of the day with accompanying samples. The black coat above is one of my favourites, lined with monkey’s fur. The Spanish couturier, Pedro Rodríguez had a penchant for using the pelts of exotic animals in his creations, especially for his exquisite coats. (A practise that would be terribly frowned upon today!)

Miren Arzalluz, the curator, (who was wearing the most lovely shoes), has done a great job of picking out the right pieces to fully display the style of Brillas and her close relationship with her couturier, Pedro Rodríguez, seen through a selection of photographs. I love the use of mirrors throughout the exposition and the intimate feeling of being inside a giant wardrobe. It almost feels like one is trespassing, such a delicious feeling. At the inauguration yesterday, people were packed in, noisily gossiping about each of the garments, so I’m sure the feeling of intimacy will be further heightened when the spaces are free of the masses jostling for room. The giant clocks depicting the different times of day seemed a little too literal and broke up the harmonious black backdrops that so quietly envelops each outfit.

What was slightly distressing was the manner in which the public were viewing the exhibition yesterday evening. Banally being reduced to likes and dislikes, people were more concerned with picking out which of the garments they liked least or best. The exhibition was being taken at face value and not much consideration was going into the significance of Qué me Pongo?

Through the careful selection and display of Maria Brillas’ garments, we are provoked into thinking about our daily dilemma of what to wear, how to dress and how to portray ourselves to the world. Even those who say they do not care and do not give the slightest thought to what goes on their bodies are actively taking a stand and portraying certain facts about themselves. Involving a deep emotional and intellectual reflection, everyday we construct our public image and our identity. Brillas was faithful to Pedro Rodríguez throughout her life, a true couture client, and through the study of her garments, it is possible to see the different stages of her life.

Qué me Pongo? serves its’ purpose of a promise fulfilled. The really interesting aspect is the study of Maria Brillas’ life and relationship with Pedro Rodríguez. Why not come down on the 13th of April, I’ll be giving a guided tour and you can find out more.

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DHUB, exposición que me pongo?, maestro de la costura española, maria brillas, miren arzalluz, pedro rodriguez

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