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...

WEDNESDAY WINDOW: BLACK FASHION DESIGNERS @FIT MUSEUM

[L] Patrick Kelly dress (F/W 1986) / [R] Duro Olowu ensemble (Fall 2012) at FIT's #BlackFashionDesigners exhibit ending May 2017

Adjusting to life in limbo--while on a fast train to a frightening future--has its ups and downs. Five seasons of Gossip Girl later, I'm finally securing socks + shoes at a reasonable pace and ambling towards an advanced state of lurking indoors. While unable to share street-side snaps at the moment, keep reading to see photos of the Museum at FIT's Black Fashion Designers exhibit I had neglected to post...

MAD HATTERS: NEW YORK HATS & HATMAKERS

Entryway to Mad Hatters: New York Hats & Hatmakers at City Lore Gallery in the East Village

Fans brandishing ball caps, the religious donning yarmulkes and the fashionably elite flashing handmade headgear share a statement piece across cultures, causes and contexts. Headgear--as a tangible means of illustrating identity and expressing individuality--is the focus of City Lore's Spring presentation Mad Hatters: New York Hats & Hatmakers. Curated by Abby Ronner and Tom Van Buren, the history of New York City is quantified through the history of the hats on display. Keep reading to have a look...

BATA SHOE MUSEUM PART 2: FASHION VICTIMS: THE PLEASURES + PERILS OF DRESS IN THE 19TH CENTURY @ BATA SHOE MUSEUM

Introductory Passageway for Fashion Victims: The Pleasures and Perils of Dress in the 19th Century

Sheltered by shoes, bunions + heel spurs + ingrown nails + assorted afflictions plague the shoe-wearing population, with 70-80% suffering from podiatric predicaments. In a thoughtfully crafted assemblage, Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum examines the perils and pragmatism of 19th century style through Fashion Victims: The Pleasures and Perils of Dress in the 19th Century. Until January 2017, visit the top floor to see surprising samples of the risks and rewards of contrived couture, from the lens of both consumers and producers. Keep reading for a look inside... 

FASHION UNDERGROUND: THE WORLD OF SUSANNE BARTSCH @ FIT MUSEUM

Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch at the Museum at FIT; Realistic mannequin looks just like Susanne Bartsch

With guest-list in hand, a lifelike replica of Susanne Bartsch leads a line of mannequins en maquillage, greeting guests at an alley-like entrance to the Museum at FIT's Fashion Underground exhibit. Behind closed doors, black walls, disco balls and 80+ designer-clad divas pay tribute to the 'Queen of NYC Nightlife' in a club-themed showcase of clothing as a means of transformation. From her first party in 1986 to the weekly productions almost 30 years later, Susanna Bartsch continues to unite the creatively energetic in a flamboyant ecosystem of self-expression. Keep reading for a look into the exhibit (and some great ideas for Halloween!)...

THE RISE OF SNEAKER CULTURE @ THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

The Rise of Sneaker Culture at the Brooklyn Museum #sneakerculture

A simple swoosh, commissioned for $35 in 1971, represents one of the most recognized global brands and some of society's snazziest sneakers. Nike, along with Adidas, Puma, Reebok, Keds and a compendium of private collectors and design houses have joined forces, contributing to an enlightening exploration of sneaker evolution - from practical product to high street fashion and status symbol. This summer, the Brooklyn Museum presents The Rise of Sneaker Culture, curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum in coordination with Lisa Small, Curator of Exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum. From July 10th to October 4th, 150 cool kicks are displayed alongside related videos, drawings and photography. Keep reading for a look inside...

GOLDEN GLAMOUR @ THE RISD MUSEUM

Gilded Cuffs on a Callot Soeurs dress, part of Golden Glamour: The Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt Gerry Collection on show at RISD Museum

Gold remains a leading indicator of wealth, despite decades of sartorial, technological and political revolution. Whether stacks of bullion, metallic molars or golden eggs, gilded goods announce the presence of prosperity. This weekend, Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt Gerry's golden gloves and gilded gowns warranted a pit stop. A sucker for fashion exhibits, I convinced my honey to pause at the Rhode Island School of Design's RISD Museum en route to Cape Cod to check out Golden Glamour. Keep reading for a look inside...

COMPLETE PARTS @DRAFTspace

Complete Parts presented by DRAFTspace

Jewelry, like a cake topper, can complete a "look" and powerfully elevate sophistication. Amenable to its sartorial counterparts--clothes, shoes and bags-- jewelry appeals to varied tastes through color, material and innovation. Though a cautious consumer of accessories, I've learned to appreciate the artistic implications and arduous craftsmanship captured in many fine art and costume pieces. Of the roster of periodic fashion exhibits, DRAFTspace typically presents a consistently creative and well-curated jewelry showcase. This edition (June 10-14th), Complete Parts, features unique jewelry from 40 designers, globally, and photography by Natalie Conn. Located at the Highline Loft (508 W 26th St.), white space is subtly pierced by floating displays of modern jewelry. Keep reading for a look inside...

GLOBAL FASHION CAPITALS @FIT MUSEUM

Global Fashion Capitals at the Museum at FIT opens with Instanbul; (R) Arzu Kaprol

Thoughts of fashion week stir memories of London, Milan, Paris and New York. As new designers emerge, new empires of style continue to globalize the fashion landscape. Within 2014's  premier fashion capital (as named by Global Fashion Monitor), The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology opens a new exhibit, Global Fashion Capitals. Organized by Ariele Ella, assistant curator of textiles, 80 items from emerging talent appear alongside established greats in one of 2015's best curated fashion exhibits yet. Keep reading for more...

RE-INVENTING SHOES NY @ UNITED NUDE

Ammonite by Fernando Romero for United Nude

With 2,015 years of innovation elapsed, the landscape for originality is treacherously tainted by technology. Though truly groundbreaking design be rare, meaningful improvements inspire advanced iterations of the existent. This Spring, United Nude and 3D Systems partner with 5 of the world’s leading architects and designers on a collaborative project entitled ‘Re-inventing Shoes.’ Visit United Nude’s Bond St. store in NYC to see sculptural (yet functional) shoe design by Ben van Berkel, Zaha Hadid, Ross Lovegrove, Fernando Romero, Michael Young, created from the highest quality 3D printing  equipment. Keep reading for a look inside...

FASHION FORWARD -- FIT GRADUATES

Esmeralda Fyhr/Fashion Design BFA, Intimate Apparel Critic Award Winner (Front)

Somewhere between startup and success sits schooling and stamina. This May, graduates of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology showcase their strengths in the lobby of the Museum at FIT. Soon, the class of 2015 will join Brian Atwood, David Chu (founder of Nautica), Nanette Lepore, Reem Acra and others in the ever-growing pool of talented FIT alumni. Keep reading to have a look at some of the favorites from this year's fashion design BFA program...

CHANEL No.5 IN A NEW LIGHT

No5 In a New Light exhibit by Chanel popping up on 14th Street, NYC #N5NY

A fascinating fragrance of "5" and floral becomes the focus of Chanel's new sensorial pop up endeavor. On the heels of Karl Lagerfeld's Cruise 2015 presentation in South Korea, New York hosts No.5 in New Light, a temporary pop-up promoting Chanel No.5 Eau Première. The lighter, fresher, flavor of decades-old Chanel No.5 is deconstructed into 5 display areas: Creation, Cultivation, Composition, Abstraction and Revelation. From May 7-17th, visitors can stop by 461 West 14th Street to experience the core of Eau Première at #N5NY. Keep reading to catch a glimpse inside the exhibit... 

EQUILIBRIUM @ MUSEO FERRAGAMO, FLORENCE, ITALY

Shoe forms at the Museo Ferragamo, most notably the royal baby (top right)

Podiatry and patents form the foundation of Salvatore Ferragamo's stylishly successful shoe empire. With an eye on anatomy and movement, Ferragamo incorporated balance between mobility and comfort for maximum support in the shoes he created. In an exhibit curated by Stefania Ricci and Sergio Risaliti (in collaboration with Emanuele Enria), the Museo Ferragamo in Florence presents Equilibrium, an exhibit emphasizing the technical prowess of Ferragamo's research and its ties between art, architecture, archeology, science and style. Keep reading for a look inside...  

FOREVER NOW @ GUCCI MUSEO, FLORENCE, ITALY

Visit to the Gucci Museo in Florence, Italy 

Once upon a rags-to-riches experience, Guccio Gucci built a leatherworking business and transformed it into an empire with paramount recognition and multi-million dollar earnings. A trademark of Italian luxury, Gucci and its interlocking G's--the initials of its founder--reached a milestone anniversary in 2011. To commemorate 90 years of Italian pride, the Gucci Museo was established in Piazza Della Signora in Florence, both as a tribute to Gucci and as a means of interacting with the public. Emphasizing Gucci's philosophy of "Forever Now," the exhibit space articulates the history and evolution of the Gucci brand and its forté of "re-interpreting the creativity of the past as inspiration for future enterprise" [source: Museum brochure]. Though my closet does not contain Gucci, visiting the museum was a definite highlight of my trip to Italy (second, behind gelato and other consumables). Keep reading for more...

RALPH PUCCI: THE ART OF THE MANNEQUIN (PART 2)

Painted feather necklace on a mannequin form at the MAD's Tiffany Jewelry Gallery, part of the Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin exhibit

At the curatorial hand of Isabel and Ruben Toledo, a unique selection of accessories adorn busts,"Birdland" mannequin forms and assorted display pieces created in partnership with Ralph Pucci. An integral part of the Art of the Mannequin exhibit, the focus of the installation in the Tiffany Gallery turns to the jewelry, illustrating the utility of the showforms. A felt "moonscape" theme runs throughout the space, featuring abstract cut-outs. For a peek at the main mannequin exhibit, click here. Keep reading for more photos of the jewelry gallery... 

RALPH PUCCI: THE ART OF THE MANNEQUIN @ MAD (PART 1)

Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin at the Museum of Arts and Design

Conceptually creative or anatomically accurate? In fashion, made-to-order extends beyond garments to include the mannequins that showcase the designer looks. From shape to expression, mannequins adopt a sculptural quality that reflect trends the of the times. Monday afternoon's press preview of Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin at the Museum of Arts and Design, showcases the 30-year legacy of the Pucci Studio founded in 1950s New York City. Keep reading for details...

FAKING IT: ORIGINALS, COPIES AND COUNTERFEITS

Paul Poiret evening dress, 1927 (L); Paul Poiret evening coat (authorized reproduction), 1917 (R)

Fabricated fakes and counterfeit clothing have purposefully plagued fashion over time; the more prominent a product's profile, the more prevalent the phonies. In its current exhibit, Faking It: Originals, Copies and Counterfeits, New York's Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology investigates the complex conundrum of counterfeit culture and explores the means by which designers and brands address 'authenticity.' As the museum has recently begun allowing photography in select galleries, keep reading to see some stills...

BRAND LOYALTY; I'M LOVIN' IT @ GALLERY NINE 5

 Designer Drugs Series (Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent) by Desire Obtain Cherish; UV cast in resin [photo source]

It's remarkable how an arrangement of letters can inspire a cult following among clothing connoisseurs. Interlocking C's, G's and LV's (among others) have achieved typographic supremacy--instantly recognizable and gallantly projecting exclusivity, luxury and quality. Whether or not to succumb to brand loyalty rests in one's subjective appreciation of its product in light of competitors, culture and conversation. In a local exhibition entitled Brand Loyalty, i'm loving it, gallery nine5 presents "the pervasive nature of logos and brands as they appear literally, humourously and somberly in everything from sculpture to canvas" [source: gallery press kit].  Keep reading to see select works... 

# PRADAICONOCLASTS

Prada Flagship, Soho NYC, the first stop for Miuccia Prada's Iconoclasts installation

Disco divas don sassy socks and marvel-worthy maryjanes in a show of club-goer revelry at Prada's Soho flagship. Until February 22nd, reflective fuchsia flooring and fashionable fiberglass mannequins surround visitors in a discotheque where sporty chic meets delicate extravagance. This fashion season, designers salute the seventies and Miuccia Prada invites 3 notable costume designers to interpret her spring collection through #PRADAICONOCLASTS installations in New York, London and Paris. Keep reading for a look inside...

YVES SAINT LAURENT + HALSTON: FASHIONING THE 70s

 Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashion: Fashioning the 70s at the Museum at FIT

Wedged in between the Flower Power 60s and preppy, sports-inspired 80s, the disco era of the 1970s was wrought with residual hints of hippie chic and an emerging punk culture. As emblazoning new designers engaged in exploratory endeavors, Algerian-born Yves Saint Laurent and American Roy Halston Frowick defined and developed fashion in the 'decade fashion forgot.' Until April 18th, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology presents Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s, an exhibit comparing select works of two designers with careers on parallel paths and an overlapping aesthetic in the stylistically stagnant 70s. Keep reading for a look inside the exhibit...