By Sarah Vance
Cutting The Edge: LACMA’s New Exhibit Features Contemporary Fashion As Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection runs from September 17, 2006 – January 7, 2007 on the plaza level of the Ahmanson Building. You don’t have to be a fashionista or Project Runway addict to enjoy this user-friendly exhibit that features the rule-breaking contemporary designers who have challenged the fashion establishment to create dramatic new looks in fashion over the past 25 years.
Using over 100 works of contemporary dress from LACMA’s own dress collection, Costume and Textiles Curators Kaye Spilker and Sharon Takeda have put together a bold and intriguing exhibit organized to emphasize the ground-breaking changes in silhouette, construction, materials and textile production techniques. Historical examples of established fashion design from Gilbert Adrian, Christian Dior and Charles James are displayed alongside the rule-breaking contemporary designers who have been leading this new breakthrough in fashion, including Japanese designers Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo, as well as Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Martin Margiela. This dynamic juxtaposition between the old and new modes makes it clear that fashion has come a long way, baby.
Starry Eyed Surprise
By Sahra Susman
Michael Stars and Harper’s Bazaar teamed up to present ‘Michael Stars & Martinis’ at the designer’s The Grove, Los Angeles store. The September 15 event celebrated the famed t-shirt maker’s Fall 2006 collection.
Almost 200 guests attended the affair, perusing the season’s new collection of luxurious cashmeres along with favorite tee styles in fresh new colors and cuts. Nibbling sweets and sipping blueberry, orange and raspberry martinis courtesy of vodka purveyor, Stolichnaya, the fashionable crowd socialized and shopped.
The swank shopping frenzy was stoked by the offer of gift bags with purchase; crisp white shopping bags –like a favorite t-shirt- included a Michael Stars’ camisole, candle and product by Murad, nail lacquer by OPI and of course the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar filled with loads of fall fashion.
In addition to new styles and colors by the favorite t-shirt designer, a new sure-to-be favorite made its debut: cashmere. Tissue weight yet supple, Michael Stars’ cashmere pieces are both timeless yet modern in design. Long sleeve styles including crew necks, scoop necks, and ruched and kimono sleeve tunics were shown in a rich fall palette including twig-a fresh tan, peacoat-a rich navy and siren-a deep shade of maroon.
With a long styled cut, the Michael Stars Cashmere collection perfect for paired with this season’s must have accessory-waist belts. This gal left inspired to shop for fall!
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