Conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada

It would be a crime against fashion to miss the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit while in New York. So I headed to the Met Museum with no expectations, seeing as no other exhibit could really live up to last year's McQueen spectacle. I'm a fan of Prada's, but Schiaparelli I only know from fashion books.

The fixation of Schiaparelli's 'waist up' and Prada's 'waist down' is a clever juxtaposition and dialogue between the two designers. Taking similar elements from both designers, Schiaparelli's hats and beaded jackets are paired with Prada's embellished skirts and shoes. It's a mash up of classic versus modern style, vintage and new.

Fashion runs in cycles, so it's also interesting to see how similar inspiration is reinterpreted between the decades; Schiaparelli from the 1930's and Prada in the 2000's.

I almost bought the Prada flame shoe at the Gift Shop, but I took home a lipstick pen and some postcards instead. You can't leave without anything!

In the Studio: Claire Desjardins

Last week, I stopped by Claire Desjardins' open studio to celebrate her newly relocated space. Once home to a mattress factory, the building now houses independents painters, artists and all creative types.

I've always just seen photos of Claire's work, so I was delighted to check out her paintings first hand. Bright and bold, her paintings are just as colorful as her personality.  Her palette of paint tubes and bottles have taken over her table in a vibrant, harmonious disorder. And she doesn't just use paint tubes, she has buckets of paint stored on her shelves.
 
Claire also comes up with the most intriguing titles. My favorite painting is entitled "The Scholar" that infuses vibrant colors and neon pinks, surrounded by a calm of neutrals. I was told the floor of her last studio was all covered in paint, resembling a Jackson Pollock painting. I would have loved to see that.

You can see more of Claire's recent work on her website and facebook.

The Scholar

Work in progress

The artist

Lilac Pastel

Blondes really do have all the fun.

images via pinterest

Jeweled Armour

Miumiu/ Applique Bead detail/ Antonio Berardi/ Rhinestone Jewel detail

Embellished applique and encrusted jewel details resemble a softer version of protective armour.

Antonio Berardi's paneled leggings look like patterned chainmaille armor and Miu Miu's rhinestone dresses are collectively, some of the best placed jewels.