Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books is pleased to invite you to an exclusive exhibition, Timeless Couture: The Art of Dress in Medieval Manuscripts, in its gallery space from June 16–20, 2025 during Art Basel week.
Timeless Couture takes visitors on a captivating journey into the visual world of medieval manuscripts, which served not only as written records but also as vibrant windows into an era of elegance and artistic mastery. The exhibited manuscripts offer a unique glimpse into the culture, values, and craftsmanship from the 12th to 15th centuries, revealing how fashion in that time was far more than mere clothing – it reflected power, social structure, and spiritual significance.
At the heart of the exhibition is an impressive collection of illuminated manuscripts, vividly showcasing the diversity and artistry of medieval fashion. The exquisite depictions of kings, queens, clergy, and common folk bring to life the many facets of the fashion of the time – from the opulent, intricately adorned robes of the nobility to the simpler, yet equally detailed garments of the clergy.
Medieval fashion was closely intertwined with religious and societal norms, with many garments carrying deeper symbolic meanings. Colors represented virtues, and intricate embroidery conveyed holiness or moral values.
Left : Mary Magdalene wears her golden hair; Book of Hours. Master of Jean Rolin c. 1450-60.
Right: Aya Nakamura‘s golden Dior dress for the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The exhibition also highlights how medieval fashion continues to resonate in the modern world. Designers such as Dior, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Jean Paul Gaultier frequently draw inspiration from medieval manuscripts, blending historical heritage with avant-garde creativity. One of the most striking connections between medieval and modern fashion is the revival of textures and fabric structures depicted in these manuscripts. The voluminous, draped robes of monarchs and the complex textile layers seen in the manuscripts echo in today’s couture collections. From dramatic fabric manipulation to structured silhouettes, contemporary fashion continues to reinterpret medieval aesthetics in innovative and contemporary ways. Timeless Couture invites visitors to explore the boundaries between tradition and innovation, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless beauty of medieval art.
Visitor information:
Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, 2025 from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.
By appointment only.
