10 January 2025
 Fashion.at attended the press conference unveiling the MAK's 2025 program, held against the backdrop of the museum's current exhibition on Wiener Werkstätte pioneer Dagobert Peche (article). The event attracted a substantial audience, reflecting the cultural importance of the MAK's upcoming exhibitions. Director Lilli Hollein opened the conference by acknowledging the tragic wildfires in the vicinity of the MAK Center in West Hollywood, California, where Helmut Lang's first institutional exhibition in Los Angeles is set to open soon (article). Following a structured timeline, the conference introduced key upcoming events and hinted at ongoing negotiations for collaborations, including partnerships with ImPulsTanz and fashion presentations at the Geymüllerschlössel. Hollein highlighted the museum's success with last year's 'Protest/Architecture' exhibition and reaffirmed the MAK's commitment to exploring socio-political themes, such as in the upcoming 'Water Pressure' exhibition developed in partnership with MK&G Hamburg. Here are select highlights of the fashion, jewelry and textile exhibitions planned for 2025: March 12 to August 24 - Textiles, Clothing The first exhibition related to textile, clothing is 'Powerful Patterns. Meisen Kimonos from the MAK Collection - A Friis Donation' from March 12 to August 24 in the Central Hall of the MAK Design Lab in Vienna. The exhibition presents a generous donation of approximately 60 Meisen kimonos and haoris from the early 20th century that illustrate Japan's engagement with European modernism through colorful, stencil-printed patterns. May 28 to June 29 - Jewelry Art The exhibition 'Eligius Award 2025' will take place from May 28 to June 29 at the MAK Forum. For the sixth time, the MAK will present the entries for the 'Eligius Award for Body Jewelry and Jewelry Objects'. The prize was established in 2005 by the state of Salzburg and is awarded every three years. From November 19 - Textiles, Carpets The permanent collection 'Textiles and Carpets' in the new exhibition design by FormaFantasma will be on display in the MAK's permanent collection from November 19. The refreshed presentation integrates carpets and textiles from different periods and regions, offering insights into international trade and cultural connections. December 10, 2025 to May 3, 2026 - Fashion The exhibition 'Helmut Lang' from December 10, 2025 to May 3, 2026 at the MAK Exhibition Hall in Vienna will explore the Austrian designer's approach to design and identity throughout his career from 1986 to 2005. Known for fusing fashion, art, architecture and digital media, Lang redefined traditional concepts of fashion presentation and branding. His innovative use of digital communication, such as streaming a runway show online in 1998 and launching widespread taxi-top advertising, marked a new era in the global fashion experience. April 13 to October 13 - Design Lilli Hollein gave an insight into the MAK's reach far beyond Austria, with locations in California, USA, and Brtnice, Czech Republic, and its participation in international events such as Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, where the MAK will present Wiener Werkstätte artist Felice Rix-Ueno. It's been announced that the artist's motifs will be used in various places in the Austria Pavilion designed by BWM Designers & Architects, such as on the wallpaper in the VIP Lounge, as a curtain in the Austria Lounge, or in the form of merchandising products. Final impression of the 2025 program The MAK continues to be a vital cultural bridge between Austria and the world, celebrating design, innovation and cultural exchange. Image: The picture shows the director of the MAK Museum of Applied Arts, Lilli Hollein, at the annual press conference on January 9, 2025 in Vienna. Photo: © Fashion.at. |
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