BARBIE: A CULTURAL ICON; 65 YEARS OF FASHION AND INSPIRATION @ MAD MUSEUM

Barbie in a ball gown in @MadMuseum's Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit

Growing up in the 80s, Barbie was more than a doll--she was beautiful, stylish and a symbol of endless possibilities. Ready for adventure with coiffed hair, convertible and handsome Ken in tow, Barbie could be anything--a doctor, an astronaut or the belle of the ball. Even for a tomboy like me, the idea of speeding off into the sunset in a shiny corvette seemed exciting. Now, six and a half decades after her debut, the Museum of Arts and Design celebrates the iconic doll's timeless appeal with a tribute exhibit, Barbie: A Cultural Icon. Keep reading for a look inside.

FLEURS DES VILLES @ HUDSON YARDS

Ballet mannequin inspired by Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker Suite, Created by Matthew David Norman

The early start was well worth it for an exclusive morning of sips, scents and spectacular sights at Hudson Yards Friday morning. As part of Nikon's VIP preview, we had the privilege of photographing the enchanted Fleurs Des Villes exhibit before it opened to the public. The morning felt magical, touring each piece and hearing behind-the-scenes bits from Fleurs des Villes founder Karen Marshall. Photographer Brandon Woelfel was on hand to provide photography tips and tricks. The artistry on display was nothing short of breathtaking. Keep reading to have a look inside...     

The Hidden Gem that Never Disappoints: National Museum of the American Indian

Installation view inside "Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian"

Every once in awhile, when the weather is wet and the "usual" museums are packed, we venture to one of the best-kept secrets in Lower Manhattan. Nestled within the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, the National Museum of the American Indian is a forever favorite, with its grand architecture, quiet corners and exhibits that effortless weave together the stories of indigenous cultures. On Labor Day, we wander in to immerse ourselves in a world rich with tradition, art and history. Keep reading for a look inside...

DEAR FUTURE: ELEVATING CHILDREN'S VOICES

Dear Future: Elevating Children's Voices @FIT highlights the stories of children living in an orphanage in Cali, Colombia

As I hug my son, drop him off and go about my daily routine, it's difficult to fully grasp the plight of the eight million children in institutionalized care worldwide. Dear Future: Elevating Children's Voices in the Art & Design Gallery at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) offers a poignant glimpse into the "possibilities that emerge when vulnerable children are given the space to dream" [source].The exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of opportunity and opportunity cost, underscoring the importance of nurturing potential. Visitors "explore the children's rich life tapestry through a combination of photography, video work, and vibrant installations." Keep reading to for a closer look...

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE

Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge installation

 

With vibrant flair and intentional sass, striking florals and bold geometric shapes wrap the walls of Diane von Furstenberg's West side flagship, echoing the essence of her signature dresses. Curated by Nicolas Lor, the installation features a stunning array of films, archival pieces, photographs and personal notes. This life-sized scrapbook is centered around four central themes: Feminism, Woman, Fashion and Freedom, complementing the documentary Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge released on June 25th. What a timely topic as we enter a presidential race with a woman on the ballot! Keep reading for a look inside...

BLOOMTANICA NYC @GENESIS HOUSE

Opening Day of Bloomtanica, NYC @ Genesis House

On opening day of Bloomtanica, the air is ripe with the aroma of orchids and vibrant blooms fill every corner of the lower level of Genesis House. Beneath the chic and understated ground floor of the Genesis car dealership, lies a hidden oasis where nature's beauty takes center stage. Orchestrated by celebrity floral artist Jeff Leatham, the immersive experience serenades visitors with a fusion of live blooms, digital floristry and homage to Korea's national flower, the mugunghwa. Keep reading for a look inside...

THE MASKED SINGER: BEHIND THE MASK! @The Paley Center For Media

Ornate leopard costume showcased in The Masked Singer: Behind the Mask! exhibit at the Paley Center

Where satin and sequins amplify the mysterious allure of competitive singing, fantastical characters take the stage in the hit TV show The Masked Singer. Based on the two-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Costume Design, The Masked Singer: Behind the Mask; Spotlighting the Show and Costumes That Captivated America at the Paley Center offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of the show's costumes. The exhibit showcases 11 costumes, videos, artifacts and more, highlighting key moments in the series. Keep reading for a look inside on opening day...

FROM THE DEEP IN THE WAKE OF DREXCIYA WITH AYANA V. JACKSON @NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

The Self-Forgetfulness of Belonging Will Never Be Mine I as part of the FROM THE DEEP exhibit at the National Museum of African Art

Taking a break from school and work, we road trip to DC for the annual White House Egg Roll. While the boys took a moment to detox from the drive, I make a brief stop at the National Museum of African Art to check out the latest exhibit, From the Deep In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson. Inspired by the 1990s techno band Drexciya, Anya V. Jackson presents a fusion of costume, sound, scent and video offering visitors a multi-sensory experience. Keep reading for a look inside.

SPRING DELIGHTS - MACY'S 2024 FLOWER SHOW

Opening Day of Macy's 2024 Flower show "Spring Delights"

Flora and fashion converge once again at Macy's Herald Square for it's 49th annual Flower Show. This years theme "Spring Delights" transforms the iconic department store into a botanical wonderland, showcasing thousands of exquisite blooms from around the globe. Vibrant hues of the rainbow occupy the windows and line the aisles. In partnership with Dior, the upper mezzanine space features an installation and pop-up boutique "Miss Dior: From Flower to Fragrance" focusing on the creation of the Dior fragrance collection. The Flower Show is up until April 7th. Keep reading for a look inside...

The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway @The Newark Museum

Installation view of The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway @Newark Museum

With a glimpse of the iconic New York City skyline, the vibrant streets of Newark, New Jersey breed sophistication, craftsmanship and culture. In the mid-20th century, Newark's fashion repertoire emerges with designer Wesley Tank and milliner Emily Miles. Their innovative work paves the way for a burgeoning fashion scene and visionaries like Shavi Lewis, Narcisco Rodriguez and Jerry Grant. The Newark Museum's new exhibit, The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway celebrates the evolution of the city's fashion scene, tracing its roots and paying tribute to its pioneers. Keep reading for a look inside...