MY ROCKSTARS by HASSAN HAJJAJ @ YOSSI MILO GALLERY

Sarah Perles Gazin' (2015) by Hassan Hajjaj as part of My Rockstars @Yossi Milo Gallery

With Spring in the air and the availability of COVID vaccines, the "next normal" approaches as New York City and parts of the world emerge from a year overshadowed by the global pandemic. Feeling increasingly distant from all things fashion, I'm excited to stumble on a gallery gem between a birthday brunch and baby duty. Hassan Hajjaj delights with a solo exhibit featuring fashion portraiture entrenched in culturally conspicuous colors, piercing patterns and spot-on styling. My Rockstars at Yossi Milo Gallery reinvigorates the inner fashionsta and exudes positive energy. Keep reading for a look inside...

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.....

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...