Wednesday 25 July 2012

Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations


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Early in the morning, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City are empty, save for a few pigeons. The sun begins to rise above the Neoclassical stone building, casting a dark shadow over the gurgling fountains and cobblestones. Wearing my vintage Parisian dress and placing one kitten heel in front of the other, I walk up the steps excited for the morning ahead.

For the next two weeks, the Met will hold a members-only viewing of the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibit every morning from 8:30 to 9:30 before the museum opens. I've seen the exhibit once before, but I was accompanied by hundreds of other fashion enthusiasts. Today, I would be able to get a closer look.

As you enter the exhibit, your eyes meet the large projection of Elsa Schiaparelli (played by actress Judy Davis) and Miuccia Prada discussing their pasts and their views of fashion and design over a long rectangular table. Schiapparelli's very short, dark and stylized hair gives her a strong presence across the table from the elegant, more understated Prada. A rebellious soul, Schiaparelli ran away from home to New York City in 1921 with a man she loved, but by the time their child was born, her husband had left her. Throughout her time in New York and later in Paris, she became good friends with artists and photographers like Man Ray and Salvador Dali, whose lobster phone sculpture became the inspiration behind her famous lobster dress.

Prada, surprisingly, began her creative career at Teatro Piccolo where she studied and performed as a mime and became a champion for women's rights in the 1970s. In 1985, while working at her family's business of manufacturing luxury leather bags, Prada designed a line of black, finely woven nylon handbags that instantly became a hit, paving the way for her classic and minimalist luxury designs.

While Prada's designs have focused on the movement created when a woman walks, Schiaparelli's eye was more interested in designing for women sitting down. Social lives of Parisian women in the 1930s revolved around sitting in restaurants and cafes. Hence the contrast between the two designers: Prada designs for the waist down, Schiaparelli designed for the waist up.

792883.jpgThe first room of the exhibit pairs Prada's skirts, trousers and shoes with Schiaparelli's tops, coats and hats. Neither designer was afraid to push the boundaries - Prada designed shoes resembling a 1950's pink Cadillac, complete with taillights, and Schiaparelli designed a shoe hat, with heel sticking up off the side. 

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As you move to the second room, the walls are lined with complete outfits by either Schiaparelli or Prada. Both designers focused on the ideas surrounding the word chic and the dressed body. There are three types of chic. Hard chic represents their tendency toward more masculine, military inspired designs. This was much more controversial in Schiaparelli's era, as it was very uncommon for women to wear pants. Ugly chic incorporates the use of bright colors and materials considered to be less elegant. Naif chic refers to the garments that appeal to the "not-so-young."

The dressed body is also comprised of three types. Designs considered for the exotic body come from Eastern Asian and Oriental inspirations. Classical body designs tend to be the most appealing to consumers - simple, elegant lines flatter the body. The third type, which filled the entire third room, is the surreal body. These designs are inspired by dream-like qualities and resemble the surrealist art movement of the early 20th century.

It is in this third room that you get to see Schiaparelli's famous lobster dress, although only in a black and white photo. Materials used for these designs include a lot of fur and hair and feathers and bottle caps and plastic fringe. Schiaparelli often modeled her own designs for photos taken by Man Ray and Dali.

Prada did not believe fashion should be referred to as an art. She believed it was much more restricted because the designer has to think of the customer, and therefore has less creative freedom than an artist. However, I have to agree with Schiaparelli, who said, "Dress designing is to me not a profession but an art."

Tuesday 24 July 2012

LC Unveils Eco-Friendly Line

It's been quite a while since my last post and I apologize. It's been a long year, but I am back to blogging. Let's start with Lauren Conrad's new eco-friendly travel and accessories line, XO(eco), with green retailer Blue Avacado. Cute and girly patterns adorn travel bags, cases, toiletry bags and detachable pouches, as well as a bag designed exclusively for hair straighteners and curling irons, all made from recycled plastic bottles. Talk about a line that's both stylish and functional!

I've always liked LC all the way back from her Laguna Beach days. She's beautiful, fun, sophisticated, and doesn't take any s*** from anyone! After seeing what so many unfortunate reality stars become, I'm so glad to have seen her evolve into such a successful woman, whose other accomplishments include beauty website The Beauty Department, a fashion line at Kohl's and her book "L.A. Candy."

XO(eco) can be found and purchased online on Amazon.com.


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Tuesday 12 July 2011

In Her Shoes

When you're in a shoe store trying on a pair of red flamboyant heels with feathers flying off the back, do you ever wish you could contribute to a good cause at the same time? Well, at In Her Shoes at the Town & Country Village in Palo Alto you can.

In Her Shoes is a cute little boutique that sells shoes, jewelery, and accessories, with a collection that ranges from cute and funky to everyday comfort. What makes this boutique unique is a commitment to giving all of its profits to the Global Fund for Women, the largest charity funding women's rights in the world. The Fund puts money directly in the hands of women who are making a difference all over the world, whether it's in the promotion of women's economic equality and health or fighting against oppression and human trafficking.

The women that greet you when you walk in are warm and welcoming, and how can you resist a cute pair of shoes when you know the money you're spending is going toward a good cause? And unlike Tom's which sells only one type of shoe, this boutique sells all different kinds! Stores like this deserve recognition for the good things they are doing!

Wednesday 6 July 2011

The Right Stripes

For a long time now, I have been prone to buying striped apparel without even thinking about it. It's like I'm drawn to striped tanks, bags, shorts, shoes, you name it. There is a right way to wear stripes and there is a wrong way to wear stripes. If it's tight, it's probably not a good idea. Stripes can make you look larger, but only if you're not wearing them right. A tight striped tank is going to show off your flaws rather than hide them. For pants: vertical stripes only. Although shorts can have horizontal stripes and still be flattering. Striped bags and hats are always fun for the summer!
The Right Stripes

Thursday 30 June 2011

Wedding Season

After a 2-month hiatus, I have come back to blog about the latest in fashion. And what better to start off with than weddings?

Although I am by no means getting married anytime soon, I, like many other girls, hold an obsession with weddings. Vogue.com just came out with its first ever "Wedding Guide" that advises a fashion-conscious bride from beginning to end, from the ring to the honeymoon. Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Rodarte, Harry Winston- they are all there. The guide is divided into 12 categories, each of which features photos from famous photographers, like Mario Testino, and courtesy photos from designers.

These are my favorites from each category:

Rings: The Buccellati 18K yellow-and-white gold 60 diamond ring.

Stationary: The Cartier Custom save-the-date card

Dress: Alexander McQueen strapless gown

Shoes: Rene Caovilla Swarovski crystal strap heels

Wedding Planner: Yifat Oren (he planned Reese Wetherspoon's wedding)

Flowers: The Victorian Rose Bouquet by Miho

Jewelry: Ben Almun small crystal earrings with pearl drop

Bridesmaids: J. Crew Arabelle long dress

Favorite Registry Idea: Art Gallery

Favorite Desserts: Individual petite wedding cakes designed by Hank Tomashevski

Favorite Lingerie: Kiki de Montparnasse Muse

Favorite Getaway: The Lanvin flower embellished washed canvas wrap jacket

Friday 29 April 2011

The Royal Wedding Dress

They did it! Prince William and Kate Middleton have tied the knot, and in style too! Kate's dress by Alexander McQueen was beautiful, complete with a long, flowing train and lace sleeves. She looked radiant! This dress was definitely the right choice.

I tried to stay up last night to watch the wedding live, but I failed. However, it has been an exciting morning watching the rerun of it. I wish I was back in London! It must be one of the most exciting places to be right now!

Sunday 24 April 2011

The Ready-to-Wear Show at Eugene Fashion Week

The Ready-to-Wear show on Saturday night at Opus VII Art Gallery was definitely a pick-me-up from the eco-wear show. It featured 14 designers, each with an individual focus. Deluxe's black and white designs smoothly sauntered down the figure-eight runway, United Workers' overalls and jumpsuits inspired by the 1950s working class marched in with ease, and Jaunty's colorful spring dresses fluttered up the catwalk effortlessly. There were still some dreads, piercings, and tattoos, but the more sophisticated designs of the night made them much less noticeable.

My favorite designer of the night was Grace Persson of Bohemiska. Her designs flowed beautifully as the models walked, there was a clear connection between looks, and a vision for the whole line. She did a wonderful job of accessorizing her bohemian looks with feathers, an item that is quickly becoming a popular accessory. She clearly has an awareness of what is 'in' in fashion.

It seems that Eugene Fashion Week is looking up, and I look forward to seeing the Club Wear and Avant Garde shows next weekend.

Deluxe

Bohemiska

Bohemiska

Bohemiska