10. ‘Thom Browne Selects’ at Cooper Hewitt

Using historic and contemporary mirrors and frames from Cooper Hewitt’s collection, renowned fashion designer Thom Browne explores ideas of reflection and individuality in the exhibit Thom Browne Selects. The exhibit is not without his own personal touch, using fifty-six pairs of his reflective silver-plated shoes, his desk, chair, typewriter and coat stand. In this exhibit, Mr. Brown re-examine’s codes of conventional fashion, and celebrates the notion of the individual, playing on the idea of reflection. Thom Browne Selects is part of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s popular “Selects” series. The exhibit will be on view through October 23 at Cooper Hewitt, 2 East 91st Street.

While you’re at Cooper Hewitt, check out the Models and Prototypes Gallery on the second floor. This is the new home to rotating installations showcasing the important role of design models and prototypes. Currently on view are 18th and 19th century models of staircases. Most of the staircase models produced in the tradition known as compagnonnage were made by masters of woodworking, such as joiners, cabinet makers and carpenters.