The expression “Storm in a Teacup” refers to a great fuss that is made over a trivial matter. In Vivienne Westwood’s interpretation, it referenced the “windblown” asymmetry of her designs, as well as her ample use of British tailoring and tweeds. The restrained runway presentation of this multi-color tartan wool jacket and back silk velvet skirt from her 1996 collection of that name allowed viewers to concentrate on the inventiveness of the clothing.
Photographed in the Museum at FIT in New York City.
Fall weather is slowly creeping into NYC, which means fashionable ladies are thinking about layering-up, integrating heavier fabrics into their wardrobes, and maybe adding a tartan plaid to a traditionally muted seasonal color palette. From the look of it alone, one might assume that this voluminous design by designer Rei Kawakubo is from a fall line, but you would be mistaken. Continue reading Eye On Design: Rei Kawakubo’s Tartan Dress→
Scott Putesky (aka Daisy Berkowitz): April 28, 1968 – October 22, 2017 (All Photos By Gail)
I believe that it is possible to live an entire lifetime in one day. I met Scott Putesky (sometimes better known as Daisy Berkowitz, founding member and original guitarist for the band called Marilyn Manson) in 2015 at mutual friend Mark Kostabi’s semi-annual Jazz Art Brunch. Mark, an accomplished musician himself, knows a ton of other musicians, and people always get up and jam with the band. At one point Scott played keyboards and sang a couple of cover songs. After he finished his set, I introduced myself, since I had written extensively about his band back in the day and I knew we had a few other mutual friends. Scott turned out to be very down-to-earth guy, and a terrific conversationalist, so we drank and laughed, talked about art and exchanged cards for a possible future meet up.
Pioneering designer Vivienne Westwood’s seminal 1993/94 Anglomania collection enshrined the kilt in high fashion. It was worn on the runway by Kate Moss, who sported the look shown here, and by Naomi Campbell, who famously fell while wearing the Super Elevation Gillie platforms. The kilt evolved from a single long piece of durable, harsh twill in muted colors that Scottish Highland men wrapped around the lower body, belted, and the passed over one shoulder. Continue reading Eye On Design: MacAndreas Tartan Mini Kilt with Sporran and Safety-Pin Mouthpiece By Vivienne Westwood→
Yellow Tartan Punk-Inspired Outfits by John Paul Gaultier (All Photos By Gail)
These fabulous photos of High Fashion creations come from the Punk CanCan Gallery at the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit on now through February 23rd, 2014 at the Brooklyn Museum. I visited two weeks ago and was completely blown away by how imaginative and fun this multi-gallery exhibit is. It is a must see for all lovers of art and fashion.
Punk CanCan showcases Gaultier’s blended vision of Parisian Classicism with London Punk.
Fabrics and materials range from leather and vinyl/plastic to denim and metal or beaded accents.
This image of the Virgin Mary is the detail from the front panel of a long skirt.
Beaded Skull Detail from the back of a jacket.
This mind-boggling chiffon camouflage dress required 312 hours to make and was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker to the 2000 MTV Awards.
In the center of the Punk Cancan gallery, an automated Runway mimicking a Catwalk rotates mannequins in a circle around the platform. This makes it easy to just stand in one place to get the photos you want, allowing time, of course, for intruding heads and bodies to step out of the frame!
One can be seen in the above photo lifting a gigantic cancan skirt to reveal a kicking leg motif on the lining. Pretty clever!
Eiffel Tower Dress!
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is on Exhibit Through February 23rd, 2014 at the Brooklyn Museum, Located at 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052 (Take the 2 or 3 Trains to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum). The Exhibit is in the Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing and Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Gallery on the 5th Floor. Admission to the Exhibit is $15 and is separate from General Admission to the Museum. Students with ID and Corporate Members Pay $10. Members see Gaultier for free. On-site ticket sales end at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 9:00 PM on Thursday. Hours are Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday: 11:00 AM –10:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM– 6:00 PM.
