LONDON – Christie’s is delighted to announce The Art of Literature Exhibition will feature fashion by Molly Goddard, a designer whose creative inspiration comes from a range of influences including the work of author Thomas Hardy. Part of London Now, The Art of Literature Exhibition: Auction Highlights (on view at Christie’s King Street in St James’s from 6 to 15 June) will be showcasing a selection of artistic masterpieces inspired by literature through the ages, presented alongside looks from Goddard’s Autumn/Winter 2019 Ready-to-Wear Collection, which was inspired by Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
Molly Goddard has been a fixture on the British runway since the brand’s inception in 2014, with the designer known internationally for her ethereal tulle dresses loved by many, and worn on the red carpet and on screen including by actresses Sonam Kapoor, Rosamund Pike and Jodie Comer.
Over the seasons the iconic tulle has been joined by taffeta, organdie and silk in voluminous, tiered and frilled joyful creations. In 2019 Molly took inspiration from the English countryside and also from classic narratives of English literature, in particular from the author Thomas Hardy’s novel, Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Molly explained that these looks were about being frivolous and fabulous but also strong, tough and resilient – not just surviving but thriving. Signature tulle was adapted for all weathers and paired with utilitarian accessories inspired by Thomas Hardy’s ill-fated 19th-century British heroine, Tess Durbeyfield.
Molly Goddard comments, ‘Hardy paints an incredible picture of the English landscape and seasons in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The collection was definitely about being wrapped up against the weather physically and metaphorically. The pieces included in the exhibition are a very good representation of what we do best, by which I mean taking simple designs and turning them into something totally different, using techniques like shirring and hand-smocking, or by scaling them up and using unexpected fabrics.’
Annabelle Scholar, co-curator comments, ‘We are thrilled to include these wondrous creations by Molly in The Art of Literature Exhibition, pieces which were inspired by a work of literature and ushered in a new era of British fashion. In this cross category exhibition spanning three millennia we’re looking at how the written word has inspired artists and creatives to make works of art, or bring new meaning to existing works of art.’