CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION @MET MUSEUM

[M] Pam Hogg's pink synthetic tulle headpiece and an installation view of the final area of "Camp: Notes on Fashion" at the MET Museum

Contrary to the thought of tents and wilderness culled by the word 'camp', the MET Museum's 2019 Spring fashion displayage focuses on aestheticism and the French phrase "se camper" or "to flaunt." Based on Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on Camp," Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton conceives an exhibit as expansive and enigmatic as the defining pieces. Fabio Cleto says "Camp is a question mark that won't let its line be straightened up into an exclamation mark" (1999). Mark Booth declares, "Camp is cultural slumming" (1983). Caryl Flinn states, "Camp is the rediscovery of history's waste." Susan Sontag illustrates "camp" in 58 bullets, including its characteristic as "the spirit of extravagance" (1964). Embodying elements of irony, ecstasy, parody, exaggeration and humor, what IS "camp?" Keep reading for a look inside Camp: Notes of Fashion...

PAOLA PIVI "WE ARE THE BABY GANG" @Perrotin Gallery

I bring art where I go (2019) by Paola Pivi for "We Are the Baby Gang at Perrotin

Cuddly, colorful creatures cover the third floor of Perrotin Gallery in the Lower East Side. Six years since the artist's first showing (of larger bears) at Perrotin's Madison Avenue space, Paola Pivi returns with a gaggle of miniature feathered friends. The mini bears are inspired by multiple facets of Pivi's life, including her home in Alaska and a dream, where she found herself in a lagoon, surrounded by baby bears. Pivi hints at the aftermath of climate change, where the bears adapt and adopt feathers in place of fur. "We Are The Baby Gang" is on view at 130 Orchard Street until June 8th. Keep reading to peek inside the exhibit...

ANDY WARHOL BY HAND: PART II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) @SPERONE WESTWATER GALLERY

Andy Warhol by Hand: Part II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) @SperoneWestwater Gallery, LES / [R] Shoe (1957) / [R] Shoe and Handbag

Widely known for the multi-colored diptych of Marilyn Monroe and familiar Campbell's soup silkscreen, Andy Warhol was a ringleader of the 50s and 60s pop art movement. Wielding a cult following and an artist's collective called The Factory, Warhol promulgated color and controversy. Perhaps with such a grandiose personality, graphite and pen sketches present a surprise, exposing a subtle side of the Warhol we "didn't know." Keep reading to see more from Andy Warhol By Hand: Part II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) at Sperone Westwater Gallery... 

-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

Animated windows @LouisVuitton Fifth Ave. NYC

Morphing mannequins rock animated runways in the windows of Louis Vuitton Fifth Avenue this week. Set against moving motifs of the world's fashion capitals, the ladies of Louis V. cleverly flaunt spring styles. Do you prefer Paris to Milan? or Beijing to Hong Kong? Los Angelos or New York? Keep reading to see more.... 

-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....