As bow-mania sweeps the fashion flock, the Museum at FIT’s new exhibition Untying the Bow unravels the hidden narratives of the ubiquitous style symbol.

The Museum at FIT’s new exhibition spotlights bow-bedecked looks like this Chanel short evening dress from the fall/winter 1994-1995 collection. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM AT FIT

The Museum at FIT’s new exhibition spotlights bow-bedecked looks like this Chanel short evening dress from the fall/winter 1994-1995 collection. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM AT FIT

The Museum at FIT’s new exhibition spotlights bow-bedecked looks like this Chanel short evening dress from the fall/winter 1994-1995 collection.

As the “coquette” aesthetic sweeps social media feeds, a timely look at the bow feels fitting. Curated by graduate students in FIT’s MA Fashion and Textiles Studies program, The Museum at FIT’s new exhibition Untying the Bow explores the utility and symbolism of the ubiquitous style statement. The exhibition unwinds in three thematic sections. First, the bow’s origins and practical purposes of form and function are traced. Next, the symbolism of bows as a marker and subverter of status and gender is explored. Finally, the exhibition examines the evolution of bows into more abstract forms and patterns. The exhibition loops fashion lovers through a journey from the bow’s utilitarian origins to a timeless fashion icon. March 1-24, 227 W. 27th St.