THE SHAPE OF THINGS BY KELLY REEMTSEN @ALBERTZ BENDA GALLERY

Pieces of Her  (20 x 20 in canvases painted over 10 years) by Kelly Reemtsen: The Shape of Things at Albertz Benda Gallery

Putting a new spin on the 'stylish and strong' woman, Kelly Reemtsen creates a series of 3 new works featuring saws, stilettos and a sentiment of female empowerment. On view at Albertz Benda Gallery until November 7th, Oval Paintings, Pieces of Her and Chainsaw Sculptures smartly substantiate the idea that a woman can be both good looking and hard working. In the first gallery, thirty 20 x 20 portraits display anonymous--yet impeccably dressed women--standing at ease and wielding hand or power tools. A second gallery houses ten Reemtsen branded chainsaws. Large oval paintings with women (from the bust down) wielding tools hang in the inner gallery. Though initially unsettling, Reemtsen's paintings tug at the imagination; think what you will of a well-dressed woman clutching tools with confidence! Keep reading to have a closer look.....

IN PURSUIT OF FASHION: THE SANDY SCHREIER COLLECTION @THE MET FIFTH AVENUE

#InPursuitOfFashion @MetMuseum

As a teenager visiting New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art with her future husband (Sherwin) in tow, Sandy Schreier declared that her collection would one day grace the halls of the museum. The vision of one of America's foremost collectors of fashion is realized in the Costume Institute's current exhibit In Pursuit of Fashion: The Sandy Schreier Collection at the MET Fifth Avenue. Curated by Costume Institute Head Curator Andrew Bolton, Associate Curator Jessica Regan and Assistant Curator Mellissa Huber, the exhibit includes 80 of a total 165 pieces Schreier has promised to gift to the MET in honor of its 150th anniversary. Keep reading for a look inside...

STUDIO 54 @ Brooklyn Museum

Studio 54 Night Magic at the Brooklyn Museum / #Studio54bkm

Before COVID-19 effectively shut down NYC (and the world!), I walked though a rare snapshot-in-time at the press preview of the Brooklyn Museum's Studio 54: Night Magic (March 11th). While the exhibit has yet to open to the public, its 650+ objects--from logo sketches, to costumes worn, to photographs capturing once-in-a-ifetime moments, to paper invitations and tickets, to the actual liquor license for Studio 54--account for an era of revolution and cultural transformation. My post is long overdue, but better late than never! Keep reading for a peek inside the exhibit that captures the essence of the iconic night club that helped rebrand New York City.    

MARIE JACOTEY'S "YOU PINNED ME DOWN LIKE A BUTTERFLY ON THE WALL" @ PABLO'S BIRTHDAY

 Marie Jacoty's "you pinned me down like a butterfly on the wall" @Pablo's Birthday

Despite the growing reach of COVID-19, Artweek 2020 kicks off without fail, showcasing the best of both established and emerging artists. Of the endless exhibits across Manhattan, Marie Jacotey's "you pinned me down like a butterfly on the wall" stands out with stylistic panache. Curated by Kathy Battista and presented by Ballon Rouge at Pablo's Birthday, Jacotey's deconstructed textile likens grade school science class. Pinned on stark white walls, her pencil drawings and dry pastels exemplifies femininity and a very personal experience. Keep reading for a look inside this two week long installation. Stop by 57 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side to see this in person before March 15th..

MELEE THE SHOW @HIGHLINE HOTEL

Roule & Co. jewelry at Melee the Show (Winter 2020) @ the High Line Hotel

Caged gems and sliced diamonds set the scene as Melee the Show returns to the High Line Hotel. Amid sweeping high ceilings and pastel dusted stained glass, 61 fine jewelry designers dazzle buyers and the press with unusual settings, contrasting proportions and bespoke design. Embracing new technology, sustainable sourcing and unconventional shapes, the "heart" of each designer is present their unique, hand-crafted pieces. Keep reading to see some of my favorites in the Winter 2020 Showcase...

HARRY BENSON: BEHIND THE SCENES @STALEY-WISE GALLERY

Donna Karan and Louis Dell'Olio for Anne Klein (1982) from Harry Benson: Behind the Scenes @Staley Wise Gallery

A photographer's instinct powerfully captures unparalleled moments. Offering a rare focus on fashion through the lens of renowned socio-political photojournalist Harry Benson, Staley Wise Gallery is exhibiting a series of 90 photographs--in time for the photographer's 90th birthday. Harry Benson: Behind the Scenes features the fashion industry's most influential icons (Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Pierre Cardin, Valentino and more) during the 'golden age' of American fashion. Keep reading for a look inside... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Heart "vault" at Kleinfeld Bridal

What transpires from a malady of the heart proliferates the power of "love." Some believe love is borne from luck. Others see it as a state of mind requiring definition and refinement. Where some act on account of love, others act in defense against its resulting emotion. Between episodes of 90 Day Fiancé and the second season of the Netflix series "You", the concept of "love" becomes subject to serious scrutiny. In both tangible and intangible forms, love results in both the highest and lowest points in life. As the new year inches in, remember those you love and take a moment to reflect on the reasons why. Have a Happy New Year and Keep reading to see the windows at Kleinfeld... 

HOLIDAY WINDOWS 2019: BERGDORF GOODMAN

"Good Times" Holiday Windows @Bergdorfs, 5th Ave. // "Jackpot" window

Classic games and classy clothes combine to form a curated celebration in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Festive, game-themed windows set the stage for fantasy, drama and spirited "Good Times." With less than a week to spare, Christmas peeks around the corner. Beyond the praise and presents, don't forget to pass along a healthy helping of holiday cheer. In the mean time, have a look at the windows of Bergdorf Goodman...

HOLIDAY WINDOWS 2019: SAKS FIFTH AVE

Saks Fifth Avenue "Greatness is Everywhere" 2019 Holiday Windows 

In a rare outing Thanksgiving week, we flew down 5th Ave. to catch a glimpse of the holiday windows. Beyond the featured Frozen 2 display, the ladies of Saks Fifth remind audiences that "Greatness is Everywhere." How True! At the most unexpected places and moments--often in the worst situations--minor deeds materialize into major feats. Kindness becomes a catalyst for change. How will you be "great" this holiday season? Keep reading for a look at the 50th Street windows of Saks Fifth Avenue...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman 58th St. windows // "Scavenger Hunt" window

New adventures--with a newborn in tow--serve as a perfect parallel to this window at Bergdorf Goodman. As 7 weeks of parenthood pass, a trickle of all things baby has taken residence in the apartment and a natural flow of feeding and changing emerges. Every day presents a new perspective and a shift in priorities. Through ups and downs, the approaching holidays remind me that there is much to be thankful for; this year cements a marked milestone in maturity. Keep reading to see more and stay tuned for a glimpse of NYC's hottest holiday windows...