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The Resurgence of the Cabinet of Curiosities in Modern Culture
The Victorian aesthetic is making a notable return, influencing contemporary fashion, culture, and interior design. From references in classic films like Nosferatu to exhibitions by designers such as Simone Rocha, the echoes of this bygone era are more apparent than ever. Coupled with the collecting frenzy for eclectic items—from Sonny Angels to antique glassware—the modern cabinet of curiosities is experiencing a vibrant revival in 2025.
The concept of a cabinet of curiosities originated during the Renaissance. These impressive glass displays, whether in large cabinets or smaller setups, showcased an array of rare objects collected from across the globe, including curious natural specimens, coins, and ornate jewels. While its roots are in the Renaissance, the Victorian period (1837 to 1901) saw the idea flourish due to expanded exploration and travel. Notably, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City is set to open an exhibition focusing on this theme, while David Yurman showcases a cabinet of curiosities at his new Miami boutique. Furthermore, many individuals are curating their personal collections online, displaying items ranging from vintage fashion to unique collectibles, further breathing life into this concept.
According to Eileen Costa, the true charm of a cabinet of curiosities lies in its deeply personal nature. Historical depictions may often feature scientific instruments and rare natural specimens, but personal collections can encapsulate nearly any fascinating item, often sourced during travels or gifted from loved ones. Colleen Hill, curator of Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities at the Museum at FIT, highlights the diverse range of objects collected over centuries. “I was intrigued by the variety of items—from illusions to anatomical models—and how those themes continue to inspire modern fashion, just as they did for collectors in the past,” she noted.
Interestingly, shoes have consistently topped the list of coveted items, valued not just for their wearability but also for their visual appeal as decorative objects within homes. “Cabinets of curiosities served as microcosms of knowledge, presenting both natural finds and human-made artifacts,” Hill explains, citing historical examples including exquisitely tall Chopins and unique jewelry as quintessential collectibles.
In today’s context, the act of collecting has seen a resurgence, spurred by trends like the popularity of the Sonny Angels phenomenon, which has fostered community meet-ups, while others delve into rare archival fashions or antiques, often embarking on this collecting journey for the first time. This trend coincides with a growing interest in thrift shopping and antiquing. Jacquelyn Rambo, a teacher and content creator based in Massachusetts, often thrifts unique items for her own collection. Living in a 1940s Cape Cod-style home, she found a convex glass curio cabinet on Facebook Marketplace that she purchased for $200. “My partner and I decorated our home around that piece; it’s a testament to our shared interest in eclectic decor,” she recalls.
Rambo draws from the detail-oriented Aestheticism and Arts and Crafts movements of the Victorian era, feeling a strong connection to the meticulous artistry of that time. Her personal cabinet houses an array of collectibles from the mid-19th century to the 1930s, including cabinet cards, tintypes, and an assortment of curiosities like antique medical tools. Additionally, she has a fascination with sentimental jewelry from the era, including intricately woven human hair watch chains—an emblematic piece of 19th-century culture.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com