Some of the top fashion museum exhibitions that should be on your radar 

By BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org 

Whether you’re mapping out stops on your summer travels, planning a sophisticated date or simply seeking a rainy-day refuge, the fashion world awaits behind inside museum walls. Fashion capitals like New York, London and Paris showcase art, culture and identity through the lens of dress. Here are some of the standout fashion exhibitions of 2025. 

“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”

After the annual Met Gala spectacle lit up social media with celebrity interviews and red carpet highlights, the show continued inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” carries the archived looks from this year’s gala, its theme a tribute to Black fashion and identity. Spanning 300 years of history, the show explores the concept of Black dandyism and the intersection between African and European influences. The exhibit is organised into 12 thematic sections, some of which are titled: Champion, Respectability, Heritage and Beauty. The 2025 Met Gala exhibition transcends aesthetics and exemplifies how to regain agency through the power of style. 

“Africa fashion” 

Following its debut at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, “Africa Fashion” has found new life at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Building off of the original exhibition, clothing, among them is a Tunisian gown previously modelled by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Its accompanying exhibit “Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago,” zooms in on the African influence on the city’s fashion scene. Expect a dynamic mix of textiles, garments from local designers, interactive installations and panel discussions. 

“Louvre Couture”

The Musee du Louvre has long been a cathedral of classical art, but this summer, it opened its doors to the world of couture. The Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition, “Louvre Couture” is as elegant and enigmatic as it sounds. Though curators are keeping many details under wraps, it’s rumoured that iconic archival pieces, specifically Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2008 Autumn/Winter collection makes an appearance. The 65 couture looks and 30 accessories showcase some of the best techniques employed in the decorative arts. From Byzantine tapestries to Second Empire décor, pieces are carefully placed within the galleries of the Department of Decorative Arts, offering an aesthetic dialogue between fashion and historical artifacts. With garments on loan from some of the world’s most iconic fashion houses, the exhibition rightfully earns its title as a “first-class museum.”

“Splash: A Century of Swimming and Style”

From the bold Baywatch bikini to the barely-there Speedos of the 1980s, the Design Museum in London is making a splash with its dive into a century of swimwear. This exhibition charts the evolution of aquatic fashion through over 200 pieces — from the first ever bikini, to Olympic swim gear and high-concept runway interpretations. Beyond the underwater world of fashion, the museum offers a rich selection of displays celebrating style. Don’t miss the museum’s free companion show “Future Observatory: Tomorrow’s Wardrobe,” which explores the next wave of sustainable and tech-infused fashion — fitting for a city famed for its street style and sartorial innovation.

“Leigh Bowery!”

London’s fashion influence extends east, with the Tate Modern hosting a dazzling tribute to the genre-defying designer Leigh Bowery. Though Bowery passed away at just 33, his multifaceted career is celebrated in a show that fuses his work in photography, costume, video and live performance, self-titled, “Leigh Bowery.” This installation is more than an exhibition, it’s a full-blown celebration of boundary-pushing creativity. With fashion at the intersection of drag, body art and pop culture, Bowery’s work embraces the unconventional and offers a fluid approach to identity through dress. 

This season, fashion goes beyond the runway. Museums around the world are proving that style is not just something to wear — it’s something to witness, interpret and experience. So dive into culture and experience something new. 

Written by: Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org 

Trends provide the season with structure, but do they end up subtracting from summer’s traditional sense of spontaneity? 

BY JULIE HUANG – arts@theaggie.org

Summer is nearly turning to fall, but the summer trends of 2025 were in the works as early as spring, as people planned their wardrobes and vacations. As the season where most people get time off from work and school, summer is traditionally associated with freedom, relaxation and new horizons. For those who suddenly find themselves with an increased amount of free time, the dominant trends of the season can provide inspiration and a sense of personal growth. 

Summer has always been idealized as a time for self-care and self-exploration. During these balmy weeks free of life’s usual demands, there’s a sense that anything can happen. The extra time and space often encourages people to pursue new experiences, whether that involves changing up their fashion sense, trying a niche hobby or starting a new show.

As always, people wanting to make changes to their lives but are lacking inspiration can turn to the latest trends for ideas. Summer trends, which once may have been used to refer more specifically to clothing and fashion trends, have now become a more general description of a conceptual ideal meant to encapsulate the entirety of the season. 

Notably, many of these general, large-scale summer trends are associated with specific pieces of media. Examples from the last few years include “Hot Girl Summer,” exemplified by Megan Thee Stallion’s 2019 hit, the cinematic phenomenon of “Barbenheimer” in 2023 and the “Brat Summer” of 2024, inspired by Charli XCX’s iconic lime-green album. On several occasions, “Stranger Things” was influential on summertime culture, leaving people to reminisce on the notorious summer of 2022. 

The media-based nature of these summer trends reinforce a sort of escapism long associated with the season of summer itself. Unlike the more structured routines of the other months, summer seems to offer transformative experiences comparable to entering a parallel world, like Barbieland or Hawkins, Indiana. Instead of focusing on life’s mundane necessities, people are free to imagine fantastic possibilities, taking inspiration from fiction.

Over the years, this enthusiasm surrounding summer trends and the escapism they provide has become increasingly aware of itself. As the season gets closer, people take to social media and speculate on the next major trend, posting their predictions and engaging in discussion on what they would like to happen. 

The generalized nature of these large-scale trends also means that nearly every area of life can be subsumed into the overall trend. Anything can become a core component of the trend, from specific clothing, hairstyles, jewelry, shoes, songs, albums or locations (the neon green Brat Wall comes to mind). This general approach to trends means that an endless amount of questions can be raised on the nature of the next trend, which inevitably leads to another question. Will the next trend live up to the hype?

Summer trends should not be a source of anxiety, but the level of self-awareness currently surrounding the creation of trends often leads to a sense of pressure to hit upon the right content material to turn into a trend. Especially insidious is how influencers are free to use the arrival of summer as a marketing tactic, pushing a product or lifestyle that will supposedly maximize one’s enjoyment of an up-and-coming trend. Summer trends are meant to be joyful and inspirational, but when they become the framework through which one views the entire season, it might inhibit spontaneous and authentic expression instead of encouraging it. 

Over-reliance on what’s trending this summer encourages people to use their time and money in ways that they may not personally resonate with, simply because the reigning trend is everywhere and thus must be applicable to everyone, right? It’s not easy to tell what will bring personal fulfillment and what is simply a passing trend that becomes more appealing every time it appears on one’s screen or in one’s social circles. 

In an era where every trend is aware of its own existence and promotes itself accordingly, it becomes increasingly important to remember that summer earned its reputation as a special time of the year because of its lack of structure that offers a chance to act spontaneously. This time could and should be used to travel in a wide range of directions, physically or otherwise. Though trends can augment that sense of wonder and opportunity, they should not ever become restricting. 

As summer passes, instead of feeling pressure to immerse yourself in whatever trends prevail, consider them as guidelines that might enhance your warm-weather experience. Remember, summer is a time to experiment and explore hobbies that have always piqued your interest but didn’t fit into your schedule during the school year. 

Written by: Julie Huang — arts@theaggie.org 

From worst to best, the episodes from season 7 of ‘Black Mirror’ will be sure to leave your mind boggled

By BELLA PETERSON — arts@theaggie.org 

The newest season of “Black Mirror” left its loyal audience stunned with a mixture of both negative and positive reactions. Some believe that this beloved show has lost its roots, while others stand by the fact that after over a decade of production, it still has some valuable stories to tell. Here are a couple of sentiments and thoughts compiled into a ranking (subject to interpretation, of course) of the newest season of “Black Mirror.”

6. “Episode 4: Plaything” 

“Plaything” is the spiritual successor of “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” following the protagonist, Cameron, who is described as an “eccentric loner.” The concept of the episode seemed interesting enough to show some potential, but as the episode came to an end, it didn’t stand as tall as its neighboring episodes of this season. Following similar themes as its predecessor was simply not enough to make this an interesting episode. With the removal of “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” from Netflix’s platform, it’s a sad thing to be left only with this remnant of what the original story was. It had potential, but potential isn’t enough when it comes to the possibilities that the “Black Mirror” universe can reach. 

5. “Episode 2: Bête Noire” 

“Bête Noire” is completely original in its plot, with the episode’s format following the progression of a week with our protagonist, Maria. She begins to come face to face with her past, a woman named Verity who she used to bully. As the episode unfolds, the audience becomes just as confused as she is about what Verity’s intentions are. The episode is phenomenally structured, leading the viewer through twists and turns and giving absolutely no clue as to what will happen next. It isn’t until the last few minutes of this episode that its place in this ranking drops. Most endings in the “Black Mirror” series are supposed to make viewers feel powerless or despondent, but this ending simply felt too abrupt in comparison to the rest of the episode to allow for those feelings. Despite this, the episode still manages to be brilliant in its own right. 

4. “Episode 1: Common People”

“Common People” starts this newest season off with a depressing story of a couple struggling to live normal lives amid a tragedy that bestows itself upon them. Like most episodes of “Black Mirror,” it serves as a forewarning to its audience, with this installment being a commentary on healthcare and how easy it is for the average person to get taken advantage of. This episode was brutal and didn’t go easy with its ending — truthfully it’s only placed in this spot because the other episodes that ranked higher were just that hard-hitting — but it certainly proves itself to be the perfect first episode for this newest season of the show.

3. “Episode 3: Hotel Reverie”

To kick off the top-three episodes of this season is, fittingly, the third episode of season 7. This was an episode that caused quite a stir with fans, some believing it was a cheap copy of one of the show’s most beloved episodes: “Black Mirror: San Junipero.” The episode follows actress Brandy Friday looking to find her spark in acting again. She takes up the unique gig of being transported into an old movie, where she’ll be acting in place of the role that was originally the romantic male lead. The episode’s pacing is wonderful and really allows the viewers to immerse themselves in this story. Funny at times and even tear-jerking at others, this episode really stood out amid the other episodes of this season. The episode is more than just a copy and paste version of “San Junipero.” It’s not perfect, but it’s heart-wrenching enough to leave an impact. 

2. “Episode 5: Eulogy”

“Eulogy” explores the possibility of being able to reenter photographs and relive moments from your past. The episode is deep and emotional, with material to offer for just about anybody. “Black Mirror” often shows the audience as a faulty protagonist, a tactic that effectively draws in viewers only to snap them out of it in the last couple of minutes of the episode. This episode isn’t as abrupt as the other times “Black Mirror” has used this trope; it still manages to leave you questioning just how reliable the main character of this episode really is. This emotional tale presents a major question about perspective, asking the viewer to look at something twice before making a snap judgement. Viewers are left with something to consider: Is it better to forget than to cherish? Overall it was a beautiful and thought-provoking episode that sits solidly at second place on this list. 

1. “Episode 6: USS Callister: Into Infinity”

At the top of the list is “USS Callister: Into Infinity.” This final episode of the season really lands an impact with its audience as it is the first episode to directly sequel a previous episode. It doesn’t just show you easter eggs of past episodes; it is a legitimate continuation of an episode from a past season. Seeing as the past season’s episode was also successful, it’s no surprise that this episode was able to cement its place at the top of this ranking. Surprisingly, it does not require viewers to have watched the first installment of this story before tuning into this one, although it may be the best way to enrich the watching experience. The episode itself gives you all the context you need to be just as invested as the fans who have watched the other episodes. The episode’s pacing never fails to keep the audience’s attention despite its length, and it rightfully deserves to be at the top of this ranking. 

It’s understandable that there were mixed feelings about this new season of “Black Mirror.” However, fans might notice some gems they might’ve missed if they haven’t watched the entirety of the season. Despite the conflicting opinions regarding season 7 of “Black Mirror,” the show never fails to cultivate compelling narratives that leave viewers contemplating the conflicting outcomes that human nature and technology can create. 

Written by: Bella Peterson — arts@theaggie.org

The beloved weekend-long Earth Day celebration returns with an array of music, activities and more 

BY SHREYA KUMAR — arts@theaggie.org 

Each spring, the UC Davis Quad transforms into the Whole Earth Festival (WEF), a student-run event that raises awareness for sustainability and the environment. The large-scale festival began as a small art project in the late 1960s, aiming to teach students and community members alike about the importance of taking care of our environment through art and other creative activities. 

Tents pop up like wildflowers, music drifts through the trees and tie-dyed cloth ripples in the breeze. For over 50 years, WEF has served as more than just a weekend event — it’s also an expression of what makes UC Davis so special.

Held from May 9 to 11, 2025’s WEF drew thousands of students, alumni, artists and environmentalists to the UC Davis Quad for a weekend rooted in sustainability and connection. WEF provides a space for students to browse goods by local vendors or even sell their own, and be part of a larger artistic community overall. Whether it’s through music, art, dance or drag, the festival invites students and community members to indulge in many different styles of performance and art. 

Dozens of vendors lined the Quad pathways, transforming the heart of campus into a colorful, dynamic arts and crafts market. Among them was “The Aggie Baggie,” a brand created by UC Davis alumna Chloe Wang, who studied computer science and managerial economics before graduating in December 2024. Her booth stood out as a fan favorite at WEF with stickers, acrylic pins, door hangers and more featuring cute and playful cow-themed designs illustrated by Wang herself.

“Sometimes, someone will come up and say, ‘I bought your sticker three years ago from a little table at the corner of campus, and it’s been on my laptop ever since,’” Wang said. “I will remember those moments for the rest of my life. I’m beyond honored that I’ve been given this chance to connect with others and bring them a little extra joy, and I’m so grateful that WEF has given me the opportunity to do so. The Whole Earth Festival was the first festival that took a chance on me — just a student artist with a tiny table and a silly cow sticker. WEF has always been a festival where the community comes out to find joy in art, music and connection with each other, and that connection and shared happiness is the whole reason I’m in love with making and selling my art.”

Music played a central role in shaping the festival’s atmosphere, filling the Quad with rhythm and energy from morning to night. Local and student musicians took over the Cedar and Quad stages, drawing crowds that danced, swayed and sprawled out on picnic blankets under the sun. Indie headliners like Neggy Gemmy, Girlpuppy and Fig attracted huge audiences with their vibrant sets, while local acts like Carabeza, an art-rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area, brought a more experimental edge to the lineup. Together, these artists shaped a soundscape that was unpolished, heartfelt and unmistakably Whole Earth.

“We were welcomed with the Davis heat and a golf cart ride to the quad stage,” a Carabeza member said. “We walked around, enjoyed the vendors and music and got to play a sweaty and energetic set for the earth dwellers at WEF.”

Workshops took place across the festival grounds, offering everything from rock painting and pressed flower collaging to drag shows and yoga lessons. Many were led by students and alumni, highlighting the festival’s ethos of shared learning and creating art together.

While the art and music make the festival vibrant, its environmental mission is what grounds it. At a university known for putting sustainability first, the festival is another way to showcase how we live out our environmental values. All vendors were required to sell vegetarian food and use recyclable or compostable materials, and volunteers helped sort compost and make WEF a truly zero-waste event. Even the cob bench near Wellman Hall, a campus symbol of sustainability, was built during a workshop at the 2004 WEF.

“When I think about it, WEF creates so much of the student culture here on campus,” an anonymous student said. “The fashion, the art, the music, it all comes together at WEF and you can see what students here are really all about.”

Even as the sun set on the final day and the crowds slowly thinned, the energy remained. For many, WEF is more than a campus tradition — it is a reflection of what us students hope the world can be, and a chance to enjoy being part of a community larger than what we have here in Davis. Even as tents come down and music fades, what lingers is the sense that something meaningful happened here, and that it will continue to happen every year after.

Written by: Shreya Kumar — arts@theaggie.org