-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Something borrowed, something blue… at A|X on 51st Street at 5th Ave.

Statements are made with words, wearables and--possibly--weeks' worth of wondering and wandering. Sometimes, the simplest concepts require countless hours of careful contemplation. Conversely, complex creations can be configured within a matter of minutes, thanks to technology. This week, textured whites and bolded brights become the bifurcated background of Armani Exchange's Fifth Ave. and Soho stores. Silently surprising or colorfully commanding--how do YOU make a statement?

CRUISIN'

Grand Turk Island--Crystal clear water!

On a ship, cruisin' in the Caribbean--Lots of food, but no wifi! Posting will resume next week!

#FENDISOHO

3 Jours bag (croc + Calfskin) and 'Buggy"

A fresh take on old roots, Fendi transforms Wolford's former apartment-style space on the corner of Prince and Greene streets in Soho. Like the fur and leather goods shop opened by Edoardo Fendi and Adele Casagrande in 1925, the 630 square foot #fendisoho is filled with fabulous fur-trimmed furnishings and Fendi exclusives. Opening its doors July 5th, #fendisoho will spend 6 months re-introducing its brand through few-of-a-kind offerings merchandised in thematic spurts. Have a look inside… 

STENCILED SPOTS + A SOLO SHOW IN A SECRET SOHO SPACE

Polly Apfelbaum's A Handweaver's Pattern Book (June 2014)

Hidden high amidst the boisterous bustle of Soho shopping, a sixth floor sanctuary stowing artistic sentiment awaits those acquainted with the (somewhat) secret space. From June 27th until August 8th, Clifton Benevento Gallery plays home to Polly Apfelbaum's exhibit A Handweaver's Pattern Book. One of 15 artists invited to exhibit in Miss Dior at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2013, Apfelbaum traditionally dabbles with paint, sculpture, photography and fashion. High honors (including a 2013 Rome Prize) and pieces parked in the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA NYC), and Whitney Museum, verify that Apfelbaum has mastered the art of combining colors and shapes over two decades of creationism. My interest is piqued by an article pointing to the obscure gallery space and textile exhibit, so I stop in on my walk home after work. Keep reading for a peek inside...   

JEFF KOONS: A RETROSPECTIVE @ THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

From "Dutch Couple 2007"... Dutch Couple (2007)

Banal objects propagate "Art" at the hands of Jeff Koons, the renown American contemporary artist from York, Pennsylvania. As the final exhibit in the Whitney Museum's current locale (the Whitney will relocate to the Meatpacking in 2015), Jeff Koons: A Retrospective is exceptionally comprehensive, displaying 150 iconic works by a single artist across the entirety of the Whitney's Marcel Breuer building. The exhibit documents the full span of Koons' work from 1978 to the present in the following categories: Pre-New, The New, Equilibrium, Luxury and Degradation, Statuary, Banality, Made in Heaven, Celebration, Easyfun, Easyfun Ethereal, Popeye, Hulk Elvis, Antiquity and Glazing Ball. A long weekend in the City and a healthy curiosity towards the construction of Koons' larger-than-life artwork presents the perfect opportunity to trek to the Whitney. Here's a glimpse of what's inside… 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Lord & Taylor summer windows at 38th St. and 5th Ave.

It's prime time to share in the sun-sponsored festivities of Summer. Take a break; savor the sunlight with lazy days at the beach, laps in the pool or lounging in the sun… Let's get relaxin'! The mannequins at Lord and Taylor are stylishly set for the summer music scene with festive fabrics and carefree caftans. How about you?

LESSONS FROM LUCKY MAGAZINE'S FASHION DIRECTOR ANNE KEANE

 Lucky Magazine Fashion Director Anne Keane; photo credit: Phil Oh

"Fashionable" is the complimentary bi-product of creative chaos + arbitrary assessment. While designers continually chase the prospect of creating yet another 'inspired' collection, publication management (editors and fashion/creative/art directors the likes of Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington) sets the tone for seasonal trends. Journalists (think blogger Susie Bubble and columnist Suzy Menkes) define and opine on the sartorial medley of the moment. The general public plays both judge and jury in the face of endless options and informed style supremacy (a.k.a social media); and so, perception and placement become prominent drivers of what is "fashionable." For Lucky's Fashion Director, Anne Keane, seasons, styles, trends and tastes have served as the baseline of her day-to-day, since the magazine's inception in 2000. The LA-raised, West Village transplant shares a bit about her views on fashion, her time at Lucky Magazine and her dietary delights in our Q&A...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The windows at Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Ave (between 57th and 58th) take on an equestrian theme

Illusion is powerful, leaving just enough room to supplement the framework of suggestion. Where would I be if…? What is the best way to…? When should I…?  All the 'what if' wonderings countered by 'what is' happenings displace dire certainty. This week, Bergdorf's life-like mannequins entertain the imagination with heroines and horses. When troubles abound, take the time to tame tousled thoughts and forge forward with fantastic fervor!   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Alice & Olivia, Meatpacking district

School's almost out and summer vacation is on the minds of many as the countdown ensues. Sand, sun and squeals soon delight those who venture towards adventure. This Wednesday, the Meatpacking district's Anthropologie and Alice & Olivia present a painted, picturesque view of rest and relaxation. Where will you be this summer?!

ARTIST BOY KONG MAKES MAGIC IN NYC

Boy Kong's "Two Tongue Tiger" mural on the Rag & Bone art wall on the corner of Mulberry and Houston streets in Nolita

Rag & Bone's Houston/Project wall (on the corner of Elizabeth and Houston Streets) is known to host a rotating roster of artistic creativity. From Erik den Breejen's illustrative lyrics to 5Pointz founder Jonathan Cohen's brooding bulbs to Stoke's drummer Fabrizio Moretti's astronaut sculptures, the wall has wowed those who stroll the streets of Nolita with its ever-changing contribution of style and art. This turn, Florida bred Boy Kong replaces Joe Hill's eerie 3D house scape with a boldly colored 1D Two Tongue Tiger illustration. While in NYC, Boy Kong debuts his Lucha No Libre exhibit at Brooklyn's Cotton Candy Machine. Keep reading to have a peek inside the exhibit…