Thom Browne Selects
https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18135781/
Mirrors have been an important element in my work for the past year. Officeman, 2015, which I created for New York Fashion Week Men’s in July, incorporated a room—a cube—of mirrors that produced an infinity effect. Given the opportunity to select from Cooper Hewitt’s collection my thoughts again turned to reflective surfaces and contouring shapes—some more than 300 years old. I was drawn to their unparalleled craftsmanship in the same way that I appreciate the quality of superbly tailored clothing---fine detail, exceptional material, and unique character. These objects are sometimes expressive of a particular time-period, but all are uniformly timeless in their function. Mirrors are frames for self-examination. Frames establish borders and hone focus. In this installation I invite visitors to explore their reflections, to see the confident side of themselves, and to ultimately appreciate their individuality.
While not of the period of the surtout de table, this pier mirror was designed to reflect the light from both the windows it hung between and the candlelight from candelabra on banquet table tops.
The stylized floral crest suggests neoclassical French decoration and a 1920s aesthetic.
