NEW YORK FASHION WEEK BEGINS: TOME Fall/Winter 2013 Presentation...

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." -- Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe 

The Tome Fall/Winter Presentation was my kickoff for New York Fashion Week, an event held twice a year in February and September where fashion designers present their collection for the upcoming season. 

As a lover of art history, I appreciate Tome's reference to O'Keeffe's art as an influence for this season's line.  Tome writes, "This season we are inspired by the life and art of this American legend. Her flowers, bones and sky come to life in shapes that sit free from the body, whilst others cocoon.  We are influenced by O'Keeffe's uncompromising vision and her obsession with light and shade.  It is the purity and humility of her output and her existence that resonates with us."

I was expecting a fashion show like you'd see on TV where A-list celebrities are craning their necks for a last glance at something they are sure to be photographed in the coming months. This, however, was much different.  The models stood motionless in an artful yet militaristic arrangement in a  beautifully lit and simple background - much like an O'Keeffe still life - so as not to distract from the feature object, the ensemble.

The fresh yet sleek contemporary designs were linear in their construction but the layering of fabrics and textures added to its depth, again much like O'Keeffe's work.  The fluidity of several pieces are well suited for the curvy girl who is looking for a modern silhouette. But you can't be too curvaceous - this is still a NY designer (did I say that).

Overall, I enjoyed the minimalism coupled with the muted tones that look easy to wear. I'm glad I discovered this designer and am looking forward to what next season's collection has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE MET EXHIBIT - SCHIAPARELLI AND PRADA: IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS...

This weekend, I finally went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to see the exhibition that everyone has raved about - Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

This intriquing exhibit explores the careers of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Their iconic designs are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada, focusing on how both explored similar themes in their work through very different approaches.

The exhibition showcases approximately one hundred designs and forty accessories by Schiaparelli (1890–1973) from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and by Prada from the late 1980s to the present. The signature objects by both designers are arranged in seven themed galleries: "Waist Up/Waist Down," "Ugly Chic," "Hard Chic," "Naïf Chic," "The Classical Body," "The Exotic Body," and "The Surreal Body."

Waist Up/Waist Down

Ugly Chic

Hard chic

Naif Chic

Classic Body

Exotic Body

The Surrealist Body

Schiaparelli, who worked in Paris from the 1920s until her house closed in 1954, was closely associated with the Surrealist movement and created such iconic pieces as the "Shoe" hat and the "Tear" dress in collobaration with artist Salvador Dali. Prada, who took over her family's Milan-based business in 1978, is still one of the most sought after designers of our time. Her designs focus on fashion that reflects the eclectic nature of Postmodernism.



Shoe Hat and Lip Jacket

Tear Dress

An interesting perspective into the world of Fashion, the exhibit is on view at the Met through August 19, 2012. If you are in the NYC area, it is a must see...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art