threeASFOUR: MER KA BA
In the midst of the world’s fashion weeks — Paris Couture ended yesterday, New York starts February 6 — I have been thinking about a particular fashion show, MER KA BA. The fashion and design collective threeASFOUR has presented their spring/summer 2014 collection as a beautiful, almost hypnotic exhibition at The Jewish Museum. On view since September and closing on February 2, MER KA BA, both the dresses and the sublime installation, was inspired by sacred geometry and tile patterns in synagogues, mosques and churches all over the world. The quite sculptural designs were created from 3D-printed textiles, laser-cut lace and origami pleating, very clearly reflecting these elements. And the show’s name was derived from a number of ancient and contemporary spiritual concepts and beliefs, one of which refers to transcendence. MER KA BA and the work of threeASFOUR is most certainly an intersection of fashion and art, and this museum, a perfect place in which to experience it.