A: Is for Art that Transcends the Page!

Art this week is the stuff of childhood memories. Starting on May 7th until September 1st Superman, Iron Man, Cat Women and others come to life in "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The symbolic and metaphorical associations between fashion and the superhero are explored in this compelling exhibition. Featuring movie costumes, avant-garde haute couture, and high-performance sportswear, it reveals how the superhero serves as the ultimate metaphor for fashion and its ability to empower and transform the human body. Who can forget Michele Pfeiffer in that unforgettable black latex suit and mask created by Syren and based on acclaimed costume designer Bob Ringwood's design, fit Ms. Pfeiffer like a second skin and gave her part woman/part cat character a strong, feline appeal. As Catwoman, she was able to kick box, jump, spin and perform astonishing acrobatics, always framed by the silhouette of her costume with its distinctive molded rubber stitches that accentuated her femininity and sophistication. Syren is one of the companies represented and is the leading latex high fashion house, whose been supplying custom latex and leather designs to the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Leading names in fashion such as Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, Versace and many others show their creative side. Mugler, whose fashions often play off superheroine models takes center stage in "The Postmodern Body," with his frilled 1992 biker girl with built-in rearview mirrors and a thigh strap for a can of Bud. Mythology is also represented by Hercules who became Superman and the huntress Diana who became Wonder Woman. Approximately 70 ensembles will be featured, spanning the decades. Giorgio Armani embraces the world of the dominator and dominatrix.The concept of dual identity is so intrinsic to comic book stories.Though it is Superman's 70th birthday the caped crusader of 1938 looks vibrant and ageless in the portrait by Andy Warhol that opens the show and in the fashion versions of his blue unitard and enviably recognizable logo, as subverted by Moschino and Bernhard Willhelm. But it is the quintessentially American flag the costume of Captain America and Wonder Woman in the 1940s, that has most inspired. Dynamic and energetic this exhibition is imaginative and original and seeing the caped crusaders land in the Met is fantastical and that is a magical F.A.C.T.