Posted: under Art, Designer.
The fashion world was blown away last week by Givenchy’s Fall 2010 couture collection shown in Paris. Riccardo Tisci, the designer behind the extravagantly ornate collection, was inspired by the life of Frido Kahlo and her obsessions with “religion, sensuality, and… the human anatomy.” The eerily beautiful skeletal figure is manifested in lace, crystal, and pearl patterns, along with other exotic materials such as ostrich feathers and baboon fur (bleached white!). Needless to say, each piece is simply breathtaking, and the countless hours it took to make them are a true example of the art of couture.
When I first saw the collection I knew it reminded me of something, although I couldn’t quite place it. Then I remembered this drawing called “The Three Brides” by dutch art nouveau artist Jan Toorop:
Kind of similar to the colors and silhouettes of the Givenchy collection, non? I first saw the piece at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta a few years ago and was in awe; it’s quite impressive for just a pencil and crayon drawing that was made way back in 1893! I love the flowing, detailed lines and ghostly shading that was used (see a more detailed view here). If you’re an art nouveau nut like myself, check out a few more works by the artist below:
Jul 09 2010
Posted: under Art, Food for thought.
Here comes the bride, all dress in white… icing? Mmmm…take that, Cake Boss. Here is something to satisfy your insatiable sweet tooth: the cake dress by Lukka Sigurdardottir. You know, they do say the way to a man’s heart is his stomach…
A design that is extremely ambitious, quite delicious and in such a large quantity- not so nutritious.
Jan 19 2010
Posted: under Art, Designer, Fashion Innovation.
Connie Lim, a new and innovative fashion illustrator, has created a series of “fashion playing cards” that are sure to suit you. Every hand is money with these stunning cards. Be sure to also check out her imaginative online portfolio full of sweet designs. It’s a sure bet.
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Dec 14 2009
Posted: under Art, Designer, Fashion Innovation.
You won’t find designer Ara Jo sitting in a rocking chair knitting like your grandma. The brain behind Lady Gaga’s famous “boning dress jumpsuit“ makes fashion futuristic with outrageously creative designs. To gain Miss Gaga’s attention, you’d have to be a lightyears ahead of fashion. We wouldn’t recommend wearing her frocks to an office holiday party, but maybe it’s the perfect ensemble for a trip on the Enterprise, or just save it for a later date… say… sometime in the 31st century.
Dec 03 2009
Posted: under Art, Designer, Movies, Trends.
… who is the fairest of them all? No, not the queen, and not even a a fair skinned beauty with hair as black as ebony. Looks like Thakoon’s dazzling mosaic disco heels is the vamp victor. So when winter gets bland, jazz up your night with these shiny show stoppers. Oh, and the prince? Well, that is in the bag, but don’t say we didn’t warn you: wearing these might attract 7+ drooling dwarfs. How do ya like them poisonous apples?
Dec 01 2009
Posted: under Art, Collaboration.
First came HOPE, and now come the jeans to match. Street artist Shepard Fairey has teamed up with the world’s most iconic jeans brand to create Obey x Levi’s, a men’s clothing collection with worn-in touches (think pins, spray paint drips) and a vintage look. The collection draws influence from the brand’s industrial history and punk rock culture, which Fairey claims to be two great sources of influence for much of his work.
Despite his recent legal controversies, Fairey is set to create a live art installation outside of the Levi’s store in Times Square this Thursday (October 29th) at 7 p.m. The artist will then be signing limited edition posters made for the campaign that are given with purchase at the store. If you are unable to make it to Times Square, a YouTube video of the installation will be posted online shortly after.
Viva le demin!
Oct 24 2009
Posted: under Art, History.
Good architecture never goes out of style. If you happen to be in the New York area, make a day trip to the Guggenheim because it won’t cost you a penny. October 21 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of a the renowned Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the museum in New York City with a characteristically organic image in mind. He went with the outlook of “a curving wave that never breaks.” The New York Times called the design “a war between architecture and painting in which both come out badly maimed.” Well, looks like the original design was a success. Unique and incredible- the museum is a landmark that should be on every American’s bucket list.
Special exhibitions on display now: Kadinsky; Pared, Gold: Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Roni Horn; Intervals: Kitty Kraus; Gabriele Munter and Vasily Kadinsky, 1902-14: A Life of Photographs
1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street)
New York, NY 10128-0173
Oct 20 2009
Posted: under Art, Designer, Fashion Innovation, Trends.
“I’m a big surrealism fan,” says the designer whose lobster logo is a tribute to the movement’s favorite crustacean. “I love the madness of it and the freedom to do silly things.”
Be they triple-tiered shoulder pads covered in Swarovski stones, audio headphones with embedded metal spikes, or Kiss-painted doll head headbands, his extravagant designs blur the boundaries between accessories and art. Halley has been pushing it to the limit for the last fifteen years. Not only has his wearable art been featured in exhibitions, he was the first designer to ever stage an accessories runway show during fashion week in Paris.
His creative playfulness has made him the go-to guy for outstanding embellishments both on stage and off. His work ranges from performance pieces for Madonna (an oxidized metal necklace using Indian-inspired trimmings) David Bowie (orchid-shaped feather earrings) and most recently Beyoncé (a crystal degradé bodice designed by Thierry Mugler), he also does custom designs for us normal folks if you have the discretionary dough.
Oct 05 2009
Posted: under Art, Designer, Environment, Food for thought.
How much do you love the Earth? Enough to wear it? Weedrobes is a series of ephemeral sculptures by artist/designer Nicole Dextras, whose intention is to “link our bodies and the environment.” These eco-wearables are made from live plant materials such as leaves, flowers and branches. Thankfully you don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy these garden masterpieces. So, go ahead and satiate your appetite with these delectable duds:
Sep 08 2009
Posted: under Art, Fashion Innovation, Toys.
If you find yourself filthy rich with more money than you know what to do with… get nostalgic and buy a grown up version of one of your favorite childhood past times. How many people do you know have a customized fashion paper doll? (In a time of economic turmoil, hopefully the answer is not many) Available exclusively for Neiman Marcus InCircle members, customers are interviewed and asked to answer a brief style questionnaire. The feedback provides inspiration for artisan Larry Leathers, who creates whimsical colored-paper sculpture portraits. Playing with dolls just got mature.
Aug 21 2009
