HERVE BALEY EDITIONS @MAGEN H GALLERY

Setting the scene: Hervé Baley Editions at Magen H Gallery

If furniture could talk, the sharp lines and slim velvet cushions of the Hervé Baley Editions pieces would whisper of conversations between dapper gentlemen--accented by puffs of smoke and slow sips of whiskey. Stylistically, the rigid wood forms and deliberately non-ergonomic designs invite guests to pause and gossip, but not to linger. Surrounded by attendees--dressed as impeccably as the show pieces--we drift through gallery's distinct spaces during Wednesday night's press preview. Keep reading for a look inside...  

Guerlain presents SHALIMAR: 100 YEARS OF LOVE @WALDORF ASTORIA

At a cost of $23,000, only 66 of this Guerlain + Janaina Miheiro ultra limited edition bottle will be signed and made to order

It's been ages since I set foot in the Waldorf Astoria. After an 8-year renovation and a 'grand opening' on November 7, how had the legend been reborn? Guerlain's Shalimar: 100 Years of Love exhibit was the perfect excuse to see for myself. I stepped inside and entered a sanctuary with marble and mirrors, soft reflections and the unmistakeable hush of old-world glamour. Everywhere, there were nods to a century of Shalimar--the warm scent of vanilla and iris in the air, archival art displayed just beyond reach and subtle nods to art deco (IYKYK). The exhibit itself is located in a private space--providing a glimpse of the journey of the perfume and perfumers, surrounded by opulence. Keep reading for 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...

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...

NICK CAVE: FOROTHERMORE @ GUGGENHEIM

Installation view of Soundsuits on Tower Level 5: What It Shall Be

Being both black and queer inspires 'Forothermore,' Nick Cave's current exhibit at the Guggenheim. The nomenclature tributes the marginalized--"an ode to those who, whether due to racism, homophobia, or other forms of bigotry, live their lives as the 'other,' and a celebration of the way art, music, fashion and performance can help us envision a more just future," declares the artist. Subtly tucked within the three tower galleries on Floors 2,4 and 5, the 30-year retrospective of Nick Cave's creative practice are aptly themed 'What It Was,' 'What It Is,' and 'What it Shall Be.' Keep reading for a look inside...

DRAG QUEENS BY MARTIN SCHOELLER @ PROJEKT 105 GALLERY

Close up of William // Drag Queens photographed by Martin Schoeller @Projekt 105 Gallery

An often misunderstood--though uniquely transitory--celebration of self-expression, drag culture has emerged from the shadows and become a revolutionized public performance art. Rounding out the last stretch of Pride Month, Martin Schoeller's Drag Queens at Projekt 105 Gallery in Tribeca showcases a palette of piquant portraiture featuring better and lesser known personalities. Having opened June 23rd, the exhibit is a work-in-progress and will run until September. Keep reading for a look inside...

PIERRE BERGIAN: PORTRAITS OF ROOMS @ EERDMANS GALLERY

Grand Salon of Karl Lagerfeld, 51 Rue de l'Université, Paris (2020) by Pierre Bergian // Portraits of Rooms @Eerdmans NYC

Prosecco and Perrier paired with paintings in the parlor make for a unique Saturday afternoon. In an intimate and purposefully private tour of Pierre Bergian's 20+ Portraits of Rooms at Eerdmans' newly expanded gallery, Emily Evans Eerdmans herself details the icons and inspiration behind the portraiture. Through combining artistic interpretation with actual visits and photographs, Bergian affords his viewers access to the personal dwellings of familiar fashion and design icons. Contrary to tradition, this latest collection of interiors by Bergian is filled with furniture! Keep reading for a look inside... 

VOGUE, THE ARAB ISSUE @FOTOGRAFISKA

Entry of the 3rd floor exhibit of Hassan Hajjaj's VOGUE, The Arab Issue @Fotografiska NYC

Drawing inspiration from Vogue (think "September Issue"), Hassan Hajjaj assembles "Vogue: The Arab Issue" playing on both the definition of "issue" given the political environment of the Middle East and the seasonal masterpieces published by the world's premier fashion magazine. With no shortage of polka dots, candy-colored coverings and standout pattern-on-pattern, Hajjaj's retrospective at Fotografiska complements his concurrent show at Yossi Milo Gallery. Keep reading for a look inside...

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... 

THE WORLD OF ANNA SUI @MAD MUSEUM

3 Retro looks--part of The World of Anna Sui @MAD Museum

Rock 'n Roll meets retro-romance in the sentiment and style of NYC design icon Anna Sui. In a new retrospective at the Museum of Arts and Design, The World of Anna Sui, categorizes Sui's career milestones into thirteen themes complemented by sketches, photographs and runway footage. On view are 75 pieces from Sui's first runway show in 1991 to her Spring 2019 collection. Keep reading to see photos from the press preview... 

TREASURES FROM CHATSWORTH @SOTHEBY'S NYC

Augmented Reality Wall at the Treasures From Chatsworth exhibit at Sotheby's NYC featuring interactive portraits

Transport yourself from the walls of Sotheby's (71st and York) to the lush green hills, rolling pastures and halls of treasures (complete with talking portraits!) of a legendary British manor. In a rare opportunity to view pieces from one of England's most renowned art collections, Treasures From Chatsworth helps celebrate the 275th anniversary of Sotheby's with a special exhibit of 45 pieces from Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. In an immersive multimedia display by David Korins (set designer for Hamilton and other Broadway productions), visitors experience 5 centuries of collectibles ranging from silver to jewelry to paintings, sculpture, furniture and fashions--explained by docents who are flown in from Chatsworth. Keep reading to see more... 

PIERRE CARDIN: FUTURE FASHION @THE BROOKYLN MUSEUM

Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion at The Brooklyn Museum / Illumination display with Cadin's robes électroniques 

These days, the mention of "Pierre Cardin," reverts to a logo with the swirly "P" and a fashion house of parents or generations past. With fading prominence and the lack of a retail presence, a New York retrospective is a timely reminder of the French fashion great. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion opens July 20th at the Brooklyn Museum. At the press preview Wednesday morning, Matthew Yokobosky, Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture praises Cardin as a "disruptor" of his time and declares, "This is an opportunity to reacquaint people with him... and make new friends." Keep reading for a look inside the exhibit and Pierre Cardin's futuristic vision... 

CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION @MET MUSEUM

[M] Pam Hogg's pink synthetic tulle headpiece and an installation view of the final area of "Camp: Notes on Fashion" at the MET Museum

Contrary to the thought of tents and wilderness culled by the word 'camp', the MET Museum's 2019 Spring fashion displayage focuses on aestheticism and the French phrase "se camper" or "to flaunt." Based on Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on Camp," Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton conceives an exhibit as expansive and enigmatic as the defining pieces. Fabio Cleto says "Camp is a question mark that won't let its line be straightened up into an exclamation mark" (1999). Mark Booth declares, "Camp is cultural slumming" (1983). Caryl Flinn states, "Camp is the rediscovery of history's waste." Susan Sontag illustrates "camp" in 58 bullets, including its characteristic as "the spirit of extravagance" (1964). Embodying elements of irony, ecstasy, parody, exaggeration and humor, what IS "camp?" Keep reading for a look inside Camp: Notes of Fashion...

PAOLA PIVI "WE ARE THE BABY GANG" @Perrotin Gallery

I bring art where I go (2019) by Paola Pivi for "We Are the Baby Gang at Perrotin

Cuddly, colorful creatures cover the third floor of Perrotin Gallery in the Lower East Side. Six years since the artist's first showing (of larger bears) at Perrotin's Madison Avenue space, Paola Pivi returns with a gaggle of miniature feathered friends. The mini bears are inspired by multiple facets of Pivi's life, including her home in Alaska and a dream, where she found herself in a lagoon, surrounded by baby bears. Pivi hints at the aftermath of climate change, where the bears adapt and adopt feathers in place of fur. "We Are The Baby Gang" is on view at 130 Orchard Street until June 8th. Keep reading to peek inside the exhibit...

ANDY WARHOL BY HAND: PART II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) @SPERONE WESTWATER GALLERY

Andy Warhol by Hand: Part II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) @SperoneWestwater Gallery, LES / [R] Shoe (1957) / [R] Shoe and Handbag

Widely known for the multi-colored diptych of Marilyn Monroe and familiar Campbell's soup silkscreen, Andy Warhol was a ringleader of the 50s and 60s pop art movement. Wielding a cult following and an artist's collective called The Factory, Warhol promulgated color and controversy. Perhaps with such a grandiose personality, graphite and pen sketches present a surprise, exposing a subtle side of the Warhol we "didn't know." Keep reading to see more from Andy Warhol By Hand: Part II (Drawings 1950s-1960s) at Sperone Westwater Gallery... 

PLAY IT LOUD: INSTRUMENTS OF ROCK & ROLL @MET MUSEUM

Stevie Ray Vaugh's "Number One" composite Stratocaster guitar by Fender (1963) on view at Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll

Tucked behind building-height Roman and Greek statues (some missing limbs), Ringo Starr's first Ludwig drum set, Elvis' guitar and Jerry Lee Lewis' baby grand piano join an impressive array of prized possessions assembled into Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and notable names in rock, the MET hosts its first-of-a-kind tribute to Rock 'n Roll. At the press preview Monday afternoon, Jayson Kerr Dobney (curator of the MET's musical instrument department), Max Hollein (Director of the MET), Greg Harris (President of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Jimmy Page (lead singer of Led Zeppelin), Steve Miller and Tina Weymouth (bassist of the Talking Heads) present remarks of their experiences with Rock & Roll. Don Felder (lead singer of the Eagles) closes the session with a solo performance of Hotel California. Keep reading for a peek inside... 

FABRIC IN FASHION @FIT MUSEUM

Fabric in Fashion: [L] Bob Bugnand (1958-59) / [M] Jacques Griffe gold Lurex evening dress (1958) / [R] Christian Dior (1962) satin evening dress

Over the last 250 years, fabric in fashion evolves as a symbol of both style and status.  Definitions of class and social structure shift from emphasizing fibers and construction technique to scalability and brand recognition. Though fabric remains the foundation of fashion, its cultural significance unfolds with time. Fabric in Fashion--the latest exhibit at the Museum at FIT--analyzes the morphing role of textiles through history. Keep reading for a look inside...

PINK: THE HISTORY OF A PUNK, PRETTY, POWERFUL COLOR @FIT MUSEUM

Jeeyoo and Her Pink Things installation at Museum at FIT's exhibit, PINK: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color

Elegant, edgy, erotic... Pink. With historic relevance, time transforms a formidable color from stereotypically feminine to symbolically powerful. One week remains to catch PINK: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Stop by to step through a sampling of rosy-colored items that range from stylish to pointedly significant. Keep reading for a look inside...

LA FRONTERA: ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE BORDER @MAD MUSEUM

Son Necesarias las Fronteras (2013) by Iacov Azubel (Argentina)

Serving as a catalyst of socio-political conversation, the subject of the MAD's current jewelry exhibit fossilizes the hope and devastation that America's southern frontier represents. La Frontera: Encounters along the Border presents a view into the "complex physical, economic, cultural, social and emotional landscape of human interaction" [MAD Press Release] experienced at the most frequently crossed border in the world. Forty Eight artisans across the globe interpret the inspirations and aspirations of Mexicans, Central Americans and American citizens who interact with the Border between the U.S. and Mexico. Keep reading for a look inside...

MOD NEW YORK : FASHION TAKES A TRIP

#ModNY @MuseumofCityNY

Born to describe a subculture of modern jazz enthusiasts in 1960s London, the term "Modernist" morphs into a movement encapsulating all things "believed to be popular, fashionable or modern" [wiki]. With growing affluence and an increasing influence of music and art, "Mod" style surfaces, breeding a new era of 'cool kids.' Between 1960 and 1973 a mixed genre of cultural and political stimulants, variable trends and a new generation of designers fuel thoughts that "fashions of the 1960s were legendary for their energy, their ingenuity and their enduring appeal" [MCNY]. On view through April 1, 2018, the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) showcases evidence of "Mod" style in the US over a transformative 13 years. Keep reading for a look inside Mod New York: Fashion Takes a Trip...