-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Alice & Olivia / Greene St., Soho, NYC

Cultural norms cascade through generations and casually dictate reflex reactions. Sometimes, situations aren't really as dire, outside cultural context. Inclusion has become a sovereign indicator of social shifts. Marriage--for example--now embraces same-sex, interracial or second-time couples. Culinary creativity has popularized fusion in food. As the "Now" is normalizing change; cultural considerations should explore and evolve, no? On that note, enjoy this week's windows at Alice & Olivia, where layering patterns is breaking the conventional sense of "style"...

PLAY IT LOUD: INSTRUMENTS OF ROCK & ROLL @MET MUSEUM

Stevie Ray Vaugh's "Number One" composite Stratocaster guitar by Fender (1963) on view at Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll

Tucked behind building-height Roman and Greek statues (some missing limbs), Ringo Starr's first Ludwig drum set, Elvis' guitar and Jerry Lee Lewis' baby grand piano join an impressive array of prized possessions assembled into Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and notable names in rock, the MET hosts its first-of-a-kind tribute to Rock 'n Roll. At the press preview Monday afternoon, Jayson Kerr Dobney (curator of the MET's musical instrument department), Max Hollein (Director of the MET), Greg Harris (President of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Jimmy Page (lead singer of Led Zeppelin), Steve Miller and Tina Weymouth (bassist of the Talking Heads) present remarks of their experiences with Rock & Roll. Don Felder (lead singer of the Eagles) closes the session with a solo performance of Hotel California. Keep reading for a peek inside... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Nordstrom Short Hills, NJ

Anniversaries are such marked milestones, tracking time progression. Where March usually remains relatively uneventful, this March boasts a round of memorable moments and landmark occasions. Cheers to the start of springs and another year better! Have a look at this week's windows at Nordstrom, Short Hills and get inspired!

GRAND OPENING: HUDSON YARDS NYC

 The newly opened Hudson Yards at 34th street and 11th Ave.

At a time when "malls" have become unintentionally archaic, New York's skyline has a new addition and its landscape has received an insta-worthy makeover. Hudson Yards defies retail trends, becoming a trendsetter itself with its integrated living, dining and shopping space. Planned to be the largest private real-estate development in US history, the nearly 9 (and future 18) million square feet space includes a mall with selectively upscale vendors, a public plaza which includes the Vessel, 5-6 residential towers and a school. Peeking in a day after its opening, the view was exquisite. Keep reading to have a look inside...

FRIDA KAHLO: APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING @Brooklyn Museum

Self portrait with monkeys painting by Frida Kahlo (1943) at the Brooklyn Museum for Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving

"Malfatte" comes to mind when inching through the new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn museum. A loose iteration of 'misbehave,' Malfatte is a Venetian label under which prisoners (Santa Maria Maggiore Men's Prison) make and sell stylish wares. Attending a press preview for Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving in early February, my mind drifts back to Venice as Frida Kahlo's life and posthumous fame embodies similar elements of rebellion, defiance, confinement, survival, creativity and patriotism. Keep reading to have a look... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Doggie themed windows at Kleinfeld

Valentine's is not as much about a day, as it is about being "worth it" every day. While some debate the hype of Hallmark holidays, the value lies in sending a shout to loved ones and taking the time to celebrate each other. No harm in being sassy with a smooch or a smile :). In the season of "love," keep reading to have a look at Kleinfeld's windows....  

RODARTE @NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

RODARTE on view at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (DC) // White Swan costume (2010), worn in the movie Black Swan

Elements of intimacy exude, both in the vision and execution of Kate and Laura Mulleavy's pieces for Rodarte. In a simply titled survey of styles from a singular brand, "Rodarte" allows access to the inspiration behind 13 years of collection churn. Childhood horror movies, the California landscape, gardens--the premise of which are deeply personal to the designers--aptly capture emotion with dialed down commercialism and dialed up details. Keep reading for a closer look...

FABRIC IN FASHION @FIT MUSEUM

Fabric in Fashion: [L] Bob Bugnand (1958-59) / [M] Jacques Griffe gold Lurex evening dress (1958) / [R] Christian Dior (1962) satin evening dress

Over the last 250 years, fabric in fashion evolves as a symbol of both style and status.  Definitions of class and social structure shift from emphasizing fibers and construction technique to scalability and brand recognition. Though fabric remains the foundation of fashion, its cultural significance unfolds with time. Fabric in Fashion--the latest exhibit at the Museum at FIT--analyzes the morphing role of textiles through history. Keep reading for a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Nordstrom, Short Hills Mall, NJ

With Martin Luther King granting a day off this week and Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day on the horizon, thoughts swirl towards the turbulence ahead. "Another year" leads to recalibrated priorities and cautiously curated considerations. What will 2019 bring? With one eye on experience, I'm optimistic so far. Cheers to an unparalleled journey and tangible progress. Keep reading to see this week's windows from Nordstrom at The Mall at Short Hills...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Harney & Sons Soho with windows by @polarpolarizer

Offering up one last hurrah for the holidays, the sights and smells of evergreen trails through NYC streets. Polar Buranasatit's 'factory festive' windows for Harney and Sons features a 'controlled chaos' (note the mini wooden people hard at work at the bottom and on the right) personifying the hustle and bustle of the holidays. 2019 is picking up pace; are you ready to rumble?