Saks Fifth Avenue Unveils New Beauty Floor In New York Flagship

The ‘future of beauty’ opens on second floor as part of Grand Renovation

Saks Fifth Avenue FaceGym – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue) 

Saks Fifth Avenue today opens the new, 32,000-square-foot beauty space on the second floor of the New York City Flagship Store with more than 120 color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and wellness brands —58 of which are new to the floor. (See the full list below.) With a significant focus on experiences, the floor is approximately 40-percent larger and now includes 15 new spa rooms along with services such as medi-spa treatments, facials, massages, manicures, brow services, a flower shop and more. By moving the Beauty department to the second floor, Saks is evolving the way customers shop and experience beauty. (Saks New York is located at 611 Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Saks Fifth Avenue Apothecary – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue)

The brands represented on the new beauty space include (in alphabetic order) Acqua Di Parma, AERIN Beauty, Aesop, Alexander McQueen, Amouage, Angela Caglia, Annick Goutal, Art Meets Art, Artis, Balenciaga, Blink Brow Bar London, Bobbi Brown, Bond No. 9, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, By Terry, Care/of, Cartier, Cellcosmet, Chanel, Chantecaille, Chloé, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Christophe Robin, Chuda, Cire Trudon, Clarins, Clé de Peau Beauté, Clinique, Clive Christian, Creed, Decorté, Diana Vreeland, Dior, Diptyque, Dolce & Gabbana, D.S. & Durga, Dyson, EB Florals, Estée Lauder, Ex Nihilo, FaceGym, Floraïku, Foreo, Frédéric Malle, GHD, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Glow Recipe, Gucci, Guerlain, Hermès, Histoires De Parfums, Hotel Couture, House of Sillage, Jason Wu, Jo Malone London, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Kilian, L’Artisan Parfumeur, La Mer, La Prairie, Lancer Skincare, Lancôme, Laura Mercier, Le Labo, Leonor Greyl, MAC, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Mancera, Marc Jacobs, Mario Badescu, Martine de Richeville, Marvis, Mason Pearson, Molton Brown, Montale, Moroccanoil, Mugler, Narciso Rodriguez, Nars, Natura Bissé, NEST Fragrances, Omorovicza, Ormonde Jayne, Orveda, Patchology, Penhaligon’s, Philip Kingsley, Prada, Proenza Schouler, R+Co, Raincry, ReFa, RéVive, Rodial, RODIN olio lusso, Roja Dove, Rossano Ferretti, Sakara Life, Salvatore Ferragamo, Serge Lutens, Shiseido, simplehuman, Sisley Paris, SK-II, SKINNEY MedSpa, Slip, sundays, Supergoop!, Tammy Fender, Tata Harper, The Perfumer’s Story, Tiffany & Co., Tom Ford, Trish McEvoy, Valentino, Valmont, Viktor & Rolf, Vilhelm Parfumerie and YSL.

“As part of Saks’ overall growth strategy, we continue to look for ways to innovate, create and disrupt. The bold decision to move Beauty to the second floor, from the traditional main floor model, allowed us to build a one-of-a-kind destination enabling Saks to create the epitome of an experiential beauty floor,” said Marc Metrick, president, Saks Fifth Avenue. “We continue to apply the principles of what we call The New Luxury to everything we do. What we’ve done with Beauty gives the customer a warmer environment, differentiated from what they can get anywhere else and creates a reason to come to Saks and experience our brand.“

Saks Fifth Avenue EB Florals — SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue)

The new beauty floor is the latest step in the New York flagship’s Grand Renovation. Saks redefined the department store concept with the revolutionary migration of Beauty from the main floor to the second floor. The Saks Store Planning and Design team, in collaboration with Gensler, spearheaded the design focusing on opening up the space, creating broad sightlines across the floor and modernizing traditional finishes that complement the brand’s heritage. The team used custom agglomerate white stone flooring from Italy throughout and restored original windows facing Fifth Avenue, 49th Street, and 50th Street, allowing natural light to the floor and north and south facing views of the city.

Neiman Marcus Promotes Emerging Fashion Design Talent Inspired By Norman Norell

Anthony Thomas Galante Debuts Exclusive Evening Look In Retailer’s Iconic Christmas Book

Neiman Marcus, in partnership with Norell Fragrances and The New School’s Parsons School of Design, announces Anthony Thomas Galante, the 2017 Norman Norell Design Award recipient, will debut his winning design in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

The award represents the culmination of the NORELL x PARSONS x NEIMAN MARCUS spring 2017 design course, challenging students to create an original look reflecting the legendary designer’s heritage. A first for both renowned institutions, the course allowed students to realize their design potential, taking their concepts all the way from the classroom to the luxury consumer.

ANTHONY THOMAS GALANTE FOR NORELL NEW YORK Navy Hand-Sequined Silk Georgette Gown [Credit Courtesy of Neiman Marcus]

Galante, a 2017 Parsons graduate from Marengo, Illinois, designed a hand-sequined silk georgette gown. Demonstrating both a respect for the designer’s legacy and an eye for innovation, Galante drew inspiration from Norell’s classic style, reinterpreted with a modern twist.

Galante’s winning look was selected by a noted committee of judges, including photographer, Michael Avedon; designer and author, Jeffery Banks; Parsons Dean of Fashion, Burak Cakmak; Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing; Fashion Group International President & CEO, Margaret Hayes; Parlux Fragrances, Ltd. President & Fashion Group International Chairman, Parlux Fragrances, ; CR Fashion Book Editor, Ray Siegel; and designer, Jason Wu.

“The great opportunity to research Norman Norell and the brand’s extensive heritage was such a highlight of my time at Parsons. To have my Norell-inspired gown go from concept to sketch to sample, to then being highlighted in the Christmas Book and sold from the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas, feels more special than I ever could have imagined,” said Galante.

“Redefining the future of fashion can only be realized with a complete understanding and appreciation of fashions past,” says Downing. “I was taken with Anthony’s ability to capture the vocabulary, the emotion, and embrace the true craftsmanship of Norman Norell; these are marks of a great talent.”

“We are excited to revive the spirit of Norell’s iconic fashion through this incredible partnership with Neiman Marcus, as we celebrate the success of the newly-introduced Norell Fragrance Collection, and realize the dreams of this talented rising fashion designer,” said Loftus.

Norell Blushing Fragrance Gift Set [Credit Courtesy of Neiman Marcus]

Galante’s award-winning Norell-inspired hand sequined silk georgette gown will be available for purchase by special order in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book retailing for $2,500.00, alongside the new Norell Blushing fragrance ($150). Galante’s winning look will also be featured in the Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas flagship store.

Parsons School of Design Announces New Couture Course Inspired by Iconic Designer Norman Norell

The New School’s Parsons School of Design announces the “Norell x Parsons” course as part of the spring 2017 couture curriculum. A creative collaboration conceived in partnership with Parsons, Parlux Ltd., and Neiman Marcus, the unique program addresses the emerging, modern day challenges facing a new generation of fashion industry talent, inspired by the legacy of American designer, Norman Norell.

Fusing the worlds of fashion, art, and commerce, “Norell x Parsons” challenges students to interpret the Norell brand heritage through a contemporary couture approach, practice, and development over the course of one semester. Students will design and create a piece based on Norell’s classic designs, while also learning the necessary skills to creatively lead a fashion house in the current fashion industry.

The Parsons School of Design, founded in 1896, is one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the world. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines, as well as online courses, degree, and certificate programs. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their respective fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century.

A Selection Committee including Fashion Designer and Parsons Alumni, Jason Wu, Parsons Dean of Fashion, Burak Cakmak, The Fashion Group International President, Margaret Hayes, Fashion Designer and Author, Jeffery Banks, CR Fashion Book Online Director, Ray Siegel, Parlux Ltd. President and The Fashion Group International Chairman of the Board, Donald Loftus, Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President & Fashion Director, Ken Downing, photographer Michael Avedon and Parsons Faculty will evaluate the creative concepts of each student designer.

Renowned for his legendary aesthetic that revolutionized American ready-to-wear and the American designer fragrance industry, Norell was one of the first American fashion designers to launch a namesake fragrance. Following the 2015 launch of the re-mastered iconic scent, Norell New York, Norell Elixir launched in fall 2016 exclusively at Neiman Marcus.

“This course aims to arm students with the knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever-challenging fashion and retail environments,” said Loftus. “Norell’s legacy highlights the evident synergies between designer fashion and fragrance, and the value of a brand embracing both style and scent to effectively position itself among today’s luxury lifestyle powerhouses.”

“Creating the future of fashion can only be achieved with a passionate understanding of the past,” said Downing. “I’m excited for the next generation of the industry’s great talents to uncover the brilliance of Norman Norell, as they forge a new path in fashion history.“

At the conclusion of the couture course, the Norell New York’s leadership team will select one winning design that will be showcased in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, a longstanding retail partner, and made available to sell as a special order.

“Creative directors at today’s fashion houses often look to a company’s archives for history, inspiration, and creativity to understand a brand’s DNA before establishing their own, modern imprint for the brand,” said Cakmak. “This course will offer our students important hands-on industry experience, and help prepare them to enter a new era of creative direction in the fashion industry.”

The student winner will be announced in May 2017.

Swarovski Announces Partnerships & Collaborations for the New York Fashion Week Autumn 2017/Winter 2018 Shows

Swarovski Crystal Business continues its longstanding reputation as a key mentor of creativity and supporter of emerging talent in fashion through its partnerships and collaborations at the Autumn 2017/Winter 2018 fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.

Swarovski Crystal Business delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones, and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry, accessories, and lighting. Now run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach with approximately 2,680 stores in around 170 countries, more than 26,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.6 billion euros in 2015.

Tome Sketch with Swarovski

Commencing at New York Fashion Week (starting today), Swarovski’s collaboration with cutting-edge designers will see the three US members of the Swarovski Collective program, Creatures of the Wind, Rosie Assoulin and Tome showcasing their latest collections. Swarovski will also partner with some of the most exciting names in fashion, including 2016 CFDA Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent winner Brandon Maxwell. Additional partners include Vogue Fashion Fund 2016 winners Brock Collection, Woolmark Prize 2016 winner Gabriela Hearst, Jason Wu, Adeam, Alexander Wang, Cinq à Sept, Sachin & Babi, Sally La Pointe, Sandy Liang, and Jeremy Scott, who will all be revealing crystal looks within their collections.

Swarovski will continue its support for the international fashion weeks with highlights including shows and presentations from Emilia Wickstead, Faustine Steinmetz, Mary Katrantzou and Sadie Williams, and notable newcomers A.V Robertson and Roberta Einer in London; Arthur Arbesser and Vivetta in Milan; and finally Aalto, Anne Sofie Madsen, Wanda Nylon and Koché in Paris.

Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2015, the Group generated revenue of about 3.37 billion euros and employed more than 30,000 people. A responsible relationship with people and the planet is an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage. The global Swarovski Waterschool education program has reached 257,000 children on the world’s greatest rivers, and the Swarovski Foundation, set up in 2013, works to support culture and creativity, promote wellbeing, and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact.

Saks Fifth Avenue Partners With Mastercard To Present A Candy-Colored Wonderland For The Holidays

Saks Fifth Avenue Transforms Into a Land of 1000 Delights

This holiday season, Saks Fifth Avenue will become a Land of 1000 Delights, an enchanting landscape of colorful candy and festive fashion that will appear in all 41 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Jumbo swirl lollipops, whipped cotton candy and mounds of rock candy are just some of the delicious décor that will trickle into each store’s visual displays, creating an irresistible destination for fantastical gifts.

Saks Fifth Avenue will transform its New York flagship store into a Land of 1000 Delights on Monday, Nov. 21 with the unveiling of its iconic animated holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, presented by Mastercard. The store will debut a new multicolored, ten-story-tall theatrical light show on the front façade of the building, accompanied by 85 dancers from the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Pre-Professional Division dancing to a rendition of the famous The Nutcracker Suite. The captivating windows, electrifying light show and colorful candy décor will live in store and online throughout the holiday season.

“Land of 1000 Delights is truly a candy-colored wonderland—one of the most fantastical holiday displays that I have ever seen,” said Mark Briggs, executive vice president, creative, HBC. “My team and I had so much fun creating this delectable concept, and we cannot wait for customers and visitors alike to enjoy Saks’ sweet holiday sensation.”

Customers will be able to visit the Mastercard “Wheel of Delights” on the Ninth Floor of the flagship store from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24 to spin the wheel for the chance to win special prizes.

The New York window unveiling of Land of 1000 Delights will be live-streamed via Saks.com for audiences around the world to enjoy. The online event, presented by Mastercard, will take place on Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:45 p.m. ET.

CANDY COUTURE DRESSES

In addition to the New York flagship’s six animated windows on Fifth Avenue, it will display a series of “Candy Couture” dresses in the windows on 49th and 50th Streets. Each lavish dress, created by a notable designer, will be evocative of a favorite holiday treat, including cotton candy, peppermint sticks, and cake frosting. The windows will include bespoke pieces from Erdem, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa and Jason Wu, as well as candy-inspired spring 2017 looks from Rosie Assoulin, Naeem Khan, Alexander McQueen, and Jonathan Simkhai.

2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Whether shopping for big indulgences or little luxuries, customers can find impeccable presents in the 143-page ultimate Saks Holiday Gift Guide. Customers can pick up a copy of the gift guide in stores or view the digital version on Saks.com. Not only will readers find a multitude of gifting inspiration, they’ll also find photos and exclusive soundbites from Michelle Dockery and Juan Diego Botto, the stars of the new TNT drama “Good Behavior.”

SAKSFIRST UNLOCKED

New this year, SaksFirst members can use their SaksFirst points to purchase one-of-a-kind gift packages and exclusive experiences starring some of fashion’s biggest names. Experiences include an exclusive tour of Brunello Cucinelli’s headquarters in Solomeo, Italy; backstage passes to a Proenza Schouler fashion show; a Paris shoe experience at Christian Louboutin’s workshop; composing a bespoke fragrance with Kilian Hennessy; and more. Valued from $5,000 to $100,000, the experiences are redeemable only via SaksFirst points. More information can be found at SaksFirst.com/Unlocked.

SANTA AT YOUR SERVICE

On the first three Saturdays in December from 12 to 5 p.m. local time, select Saks Fifth Avenue locations (New York, Beverly Hills, Bal Harbour, Houston) will offer customers Santa At Your Service. Santa Claus himself will deliver customers’ in-store purchases directly to their homes, hotels or offices via the Saks At Your Service Mercedes-Benz sprinter van. Appointments can be booked by contacting their local Fifth Avenue Clubs (appointments are required and must be scheduled two weeks in advance).

GIFT CONCIERGES

In celebration of the gift giving season, select Saks Fifth Avenue locations will offer dedicated gift concierges to assist customers with all of their gift-giving needs, including gift wrapping, shipping, delivery, or simply finding that perfect holiday gift. Available at the following stores: Atlanta, Bal Harbour, Beverly Hills, Boca Raton, Boston, Chevy Chase, Chicago, Dadeland, Downtown NYC, Houston, San Francisco, and Troy.

12 DAYS OF DELIGHTS

Starting Dec. 1, all Saks stores will host an extraordinary array of events and shopping surprises each Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Christmas. Customers will enjoy gifts with purchase, including Saks Sweet Surprise Cards. Visitors can view their local stores’ activities on the Store & Locations page on Saks.com.

Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Week Preview: The Swarovski Group Unveils The 2016 Finalists for The Prestigious Swarovski Collective Program

Just ahead of the New York Fashion Week-Spring/Summer 2016 Shows (which starts this Thursday) and the hard long slough that is the international Fashion Month (New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks in quick, overlapping succession), Swarovski has announced the 15 designers who will form the year-long Swarovski Collective 2016. This group of exceptional design talents, which includes both new and established (and returning) names, will work in creative partnership with Swarovski for their Spring/Summer 2016 and Autumn 2016/Winter 2017 collections.

Founded in 1999 following Nadja Swarovski‘s collaboration with a young Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow, the Swarovski Collective encourages emerging and established designers to explore the creative boundaries of crystal use and craftsmanship.

Over the past 16 years, the Swarovski Collective has supported over 150 designers. Previous participants include Alexander McQueen, (Joseph) Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Wes Gordon, Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Hussein Chalayan, Viktor&Rolf, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Giles, Mary Katrantzou and Anthony Vaccarello.
The latest edition of the coveted Swarovski Collective program will span New York, London and Paris fashion weeks, offering the designers year-long financial and crystal product support, plus the chance to win the annual EUR25,000 Swarovski Collective Prize, the winner of which will be announced in May 2016.

Swarovski Collective-Tanya Taylor: Swarovski announces the 15 designers who form the year-long Swarovski Collective 2016 and will receive financial and crystal product support. Tanya Taylor, a new partner to Swarovski, will show her collection during New York Fashion Week, including this look featuring Swarovski crystal. Tanya Taylor’s SS16 collection was inspired by a photograph she took in Kenya. She was moved by the vibrant pigments, rich textures, and ornate architectural motifs which will be translated in Swarovski crystals among other methods. (PRNewsFoto/Swarovski North America)

The Swarovski Collective members for Spring/Summer 2016 and Autumn 2016/Winter 2017 are: Alexander Lewis, Christian Wijnants, Creatures of the Wind, David Koma, Emilia Wickstead, Esteban Cortazar, Haizhen Wang, Iris Van Herpen, Peter Pilotto, Rosie Assoulin, Tanya Taylor, Thomas Tait, Tim Coppens, Tome and Vivienne Hu— and will see debut collections for Rosie Assoulin, Thomas Tait, Tanya Taylor, Tome, Alexander Lewis, David Koma, Haizhen Wang and Vivienne Hu.

The Swarovski Collective designers will show their Spring/Summer 2016 collections during New York, London and Paris Fashion Weeks, which take place between September 10 and October 7, 2015. Swarovski will also support Collective members on promotional activities and creative projects throughout the year.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “It is a pleasure to build on the success of the Swarovski Collective with this new line-up of creatives, and our ongoing commitment to emerging talent with the Swarovski Collective Prize. This is an exceptional group of designers, and we look forward to seeing them innovate with crystal looks over the coming year.“

Emilia Wickstead, a returning Collective designer commented: “It is such an honor to be a part of the Collective. Swarovski crystals add excitement and innovation while creating a point of difference.”

Rosie Assoulin commented: “We are so honored to be working with Swarovski and to have the opportunity to really dive into their treasure trove of materials and techniques, especially after the CFDAs.”

Thomas Tait, said: “I’m excited to be part of the Swarovski Collective and to be using crystals as a creative ingredient for the first time to add a new dimension to my collection.“

Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry, accessories and lighting. Now celebrating its 120th anniversary and run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach with approximately 2,560 stores in around 170 countries, more than 25,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.33 billion euros in 2014. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2014, the Group generated revenue of about 3.05 billion euros and employed more than 30,000 people. The Swarovski Foundation was set up in 2012 to honor the philanthropic spirit of founder Daniel Swarovski, with a mission is to support creativity and culture, promote wellbeing, and conserve natural resources.

Saks Fifth Avenue Teams Up With Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Stand Up To Cancer Initiative For 2015 Key To The Cure Campaign

Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) has announced that Oscar^®-winning actress Julianne Moore has been named ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue‘s 2015 Key To The Cure Campaign. For the first time, Saks Fifth Avenue will be teaming up with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, created to accelerate innovative cancer research through collaboration among leading scientists from different institutions and disciplines who work together to deliver new therapies to patients quickly. By galvanizing the support of the entertainment indus­try, SU2C creates awareness and builds broad public sup­port for this effort to combat all types of cancers.

Julianne Moore wears Jason Wu designed tee for 2015 Key To The Cure Campaign in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Stand Up To Cancer. (PRNewsFoto/Saks Fifth Avenue)

Saks Fifth Avenue initiated its charity shopping weekend in 1999. To date, the company has donated more than$36 million to women’s cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations benefiting from these funds include: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; EIF‘s Women’s Cancer Research Fund; Cleveland Clinic; Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Nevada Cancer Institute and many others.

Miss Moore will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing the Jason Wu-designed limited-edition tee. The Key To The Cure PSA will appear in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in September and October. Saks Fifth Avenue‘s charity shopping weekend will take place Thursday through Sunday, October 15 to 18, at all Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saks.com and saksoff5th.com.

“Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, whether you’ve known or cared for a loved one facing a cancer diagnosis, or contended with cancer yourself. So I’m honored to work with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Saks Fifth Avenue to highlight Stand Up To Cancer‘s mission to make everyone diagnosed with cancer a survivor,” said Julianne Moore. “I hope everyone will join me in supporting this important cause by purchasing a Key To The Cure T-Shirt.”

Now in its 17^th year, Saks Fifth Avenue‘s Key To The Cure campaign has enlisted Jason Wu to design this year’s limited edition T-Shirt, benefiting Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Available for purchase beginning on October 1 in Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saks.com and saksoff5th.com, the tee will retail for $35, with 100% of sales benefiting Stand Up To Cancer.

“It is an honor to partner with Saks Fifth Avenue on their signature charitable initiative Key To The Cure this year. My hope is that people purchase the limited edition tee, which benefits Stand Up To Cancer, an initiative that has made great strides in cancer research,” said Jason Wu.

Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue, stated, “We look forward to Key To The Cure every October. It’s really great to see our stores, customers and vendors rally together to support such a great cause in raising awareness and funds. We are excited to evolve our Key To The Cure campaign with Stand Up To Cancer this year.”

China: Through the Looking Glass Exhibition Extended through September 7 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gallery View: Anna Wintour Costume Center, Imperial China
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gallery View:  Chinese Galleries, Astor Forecourt, Anna May Wong
Evening dress, John Galliano (British, born Gibraltar, 1960) for House of Dior
(French, founded 1947), autumn/winter 1998–99 haute couture; Courtesy of
Christian Dior Couture
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

China: Through the Looking Glass at The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been extended by three weeks through Labor Day, September 7. The exhibition, organized by The Costume Institute in collaboration with the Department of Asian Art, opened to the public on May 7, and has drawn more than 350,000 visitors in its first eight weeks.  To date, the exhibition’s attendance is pacing close to that of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (2011), which was the most visited Costume Institute exhibition ever, as well as the Met’s eighth most popular.

Chinese Galleries, Astor Forecourt, Anna May Wong
Ensemble, Paul Smith (British, born 1946), autumn/winter 2011-12; Courtesy of
Paul Smith
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chinese Galleries, Douglas Dillon Galleries, Export Silk
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chinese Galleries, Douglas Dillon Galleries, Chinoiserie
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chinese Galleries, Douglas Dillon Galleries, Chinoiserie
Dress, 18th century; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Fédération de la
Soirie, 1950 (50.168.2a,b)
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chinese Galleries, Charlotte C. Weber Galleries, Ancient China
Dress, House of Givenchy (French, founded 1952), autumn/winter 1997-98 haute
couture; Courtesy of Givenchy
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The exhibition, made possible by Yahoo, explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion and how China has fueled the fashionable imagination for centuries. High fashion is juxtaposed with Chinese costumes, paintings, porcelains, and other art, including films, to reveal enchanting reflections of Chinese imagery. The exhibition, which was originally set to close on August 16, is curated by Andrew Bolton. Wong Kar Wai is artistic director and Nathan Crowley served as production designer.

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Phillip Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

This is The Costume Institute’s first collaboration with another curatorial department since AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion in 2006, a partnership with the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. China: Through the Looking Glass features more than 140 examples of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to- wear alongside masterpieces of Chinese art. Filmic representations of China are incorporated throughout to reveal how our visions of China are shaped by narratives that draw upon popular culture, and to recognize the importance of cinema as a medium through which we understand the richness of Chinese history.

Jar with Dragon (Chinese), early 15th-century; The Metropolitan Museum of
Art, Gift of Robert E. Tod, 1937 (37.191.1)
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Plato

Festival robe worn by Emperor Qianlong, second half of 18th-century; The
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1935 (35.84.8)
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon

Evening dress, Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939), autumn/winter 2011–12;
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Collection
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon

Evening dress, Jean Paul Gaultier (French, born 1952), autumn/winter 2001-2
haute couture; Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon

13.”Quiproquo” cocktail dress, Christian Dior (French, 1905–1957) for House of
Dior (French, founded 1947), 1951; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of
Mrs. Byron C. Foy, 1953 (C.I.53.40.38a-d)
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon
14.Film Still from In the Mood for Love, 2000; Courtesy of Block 2 Pictures Inc.
Photo: Courtesy

Dress, John Galliano (British, born Gibraltar, 1960) for House of Dior (French,
founded 1947), spring/summer 2003 haute couture; Courtesy of Christian Dior
Couture
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon

Encompassing approximately 30,000 square feet in 16 separate galleries in the Museum’s Chinese and Egyptian Galleries and Anna Wintour Costume Center, it is The Costume Institute’s largest special exhibition ever, and also one of the Museum’s largest. With gallery space three times the size of a typical Costume Institute major spring show, China has accommodated large numbers of visitors without lines.

Anna Wintour Costume Center, Imperial China
Photo: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Evening dress, Tom Ford (American, born 1961) for Yves Saint Laurent, Paris
(French, founded 1961), autumn/winter 2004–5; The Metropolitan Museum
of Art, Gift of Yves Saint Laurent, 2005 (2005.325.1)
Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography © Platon

The Anna Wintour Costume Center’s Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery presents a series of “mirrored reflections” focusing on Imperial China; the Republic of China, especially Shanghai in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s; and the People’s Republic of China. These reflections, as well as others in the exhibition, are illustrated with scenes from films by such groundbreaking Chinese directors as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Ang Lee, and Wong Kar Wai. Distinct vignettes are devoted to “women of style,” including Hu Die (known as Butterfly Wu), Oei Huilan (the former Madame Wellington Koo), and Soong Mei-Ling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek).

Directly above the Anna Wintour Costume Center, the Chinese Galleries on the second floor showcase fashion from the 1700s to the present, juxtaposed with decorative arts from Imperial China, including jade, bronze, lacquer, and blue-and-white porcelain, mostly drawn from the Met’s collection. The Astor Court features a thematic vignette dedicated to Chinese opera, focusing on John Galliano’s Spring 2003 Christian Dior Haute Couture Collection.

Designers in the exhibition include Cristobal Balenciaga, Travis Banton, Bulgari, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Callot Soeurs, Cartier, Roberto Cavalli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino Garavani, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo for Valentino, Craig Green, Guo Pei, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin, Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, Edward Molyneux, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Dries van Noten, Jean Patou, Paul Poiret, Yves Saint Laurent, Paul Smith, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vivienne Tam, Giambattista Valli, Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, and Laurence Xu.

“This exhibition is one of the most ambitious ever mounted by the Met, and I want as many people as possible to be able see it,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Met. “It is a show that represents an extraordinary collaboration across the Museum, resulting in a fantastic exploration of China’s impact on creativity over centuries.”

Museum Members will have early morning private access to the galleries from Wednesday, July 22, to Sunday, July 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., before the Museum opens to the public.

Costume Institute’s Spring 2015 Exhibition at Metropolitan Museum to Focus on Chinese Imagery in Art, Film, and Fashion

Chinese Whispers: Tales of the East in Art, Film, and Fashion

Exhibition Locations: Chinese Galleries and Anna Wintour Costume Center

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today that The Costume Institute’s spring 2015 exhibition, made possible by Yahoo, with additional support is provided by Condé Nast, will be Chinese Whispers: Tales of the East in Art, Film, and Fashion, on view from May 7 through August 16, 2015 (preceded on May 4 by The Costume Institute Benefit). Presented in the Museum’s Chinese Galleries and Anna Wintour Costume Center, the exhibition will explore how China has fueled the creative imagination for centuries, resulting in layers of cultural translations, re-translations, and mistranslations. In this collaboration between The Costume Institute and the Department of Asian Art, high fashion will be juxtaposed with Chinese costumes, paintings, porcelains, and other art, as well as Chinese films to reveal ongoing dialogues between East and West, past and present.

This is The Costume Institute’s first collaboration with another curatorial department since AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion in 2006, a partnership with the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Chinese Whispers will feature more than 100 examples of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear alongside Chinese art. Filmic representations of China will be incorporated throughout to reveal how our visions of China are framed by narratives that draw upon popular culture, and also to recognize the importance of cinema as a medium through which we understand the richness of Chinese history.

The exhibition, a collaboration between The Costume Institute and the Department of Asian Art, coincides with the Museum’s year-long centennial celebration of the Asian Art Department, which was created as a separate curatorial department in 1915. Chinese Whispers is organized by Andrew Bolton, Curator, with the support of Harold Koda, Curator in Charge, both of The Costume Institute. Additional support is provided by Maxwell Hearn, Douglas Dillon Chairman; Denise Patry Leidy, Curator; and Zhixin Jason Sun, Curator, all of the Department of Asian Art.

The Anna Wintour Costume Center’s Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery will present a series of “whispers” or conversations through time and space, focusing on Imperial China; Nationalist China, especially Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s; and Communist China, with an emphasis on changing images of Chairman Mao. These ‘whispers,’ and others in the exhibition, will be illustrated with scenes from films by such groundbreaking Chinese directors as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Ang Lee, and Wong Kar Wai. Distinct vignettes will be devoted to “women of style,” including Madame Wellington Koo, Madame Chiang Kai-shek (Soong May-Ling), and Empress Dowager Cixi.

Directly above the Anna Wintour Costume Center, the Chinese Galleries on the second floor will showcase fashion from the 1700s to the present, juxtaposed with decorative arts from Imperial China, including jade, lacquer, cloisonné, and blue-and-white porcelain, mostly drawn from the Met’s collection. The Astor Court will feature a thematic vignette dedicated to Chinese opera, focusing on the celebrated performer Mei Lanfang, who inspired John Galliano’s spring 2003 Christian Dior Haute Couture Collection, ensembles from which will be showcased alongside Mr. Mei’s original opera costumes.

Designers in the exhibition will include Giorgio Armani, Sarah Burton (Alexander McQueen), Roberto Cavalli, Peter Dundas (Emilio Pucci), Tom Ford (Yves Saint Laurent), John Galliano (Dior), Jean Paul Gaultier, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo (Valentino), Craig Green, Ground-Zero, Guo Pei, Marc Jacobs (Louis Vuitton), Mary Katrantzou, Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel), Ralph Lauren, Ma Ke, Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen (Givenchy), Kate and Laura Mulleavy (Rodarte), Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, Isabel Toledo, Dries van Noten, Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, Laurence Xu, and others.

“I am excited about this partnership between these two forward-thinking departments that will undoubtedly reveal provocative new insights into the West’s fascination with Chinese aesthetics,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Met. “The artistic direction of acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar Wai will take visitors on a cinematic journey through our galleries, where high fashion will be shown alongside masterworks of Chinese art.”

“From the earliest period of European contact with China in the 16th century, the West has been enchanted with enigmatic objects and imagery from the East, providing inspiration for fashion designers from Paul Poiret to Yves Saint Laurent, whose fashions are infused at every turn with fantasy, romance, and nostalgia,” said Andrew Bolton, Curator in The Costume Institute. “In an intricate process of translation and mistranslation similar to the game of ‘Telephone’–which the British call ‘Chinese Whispers’–designers conjoin disparate stylistic references into a fantastic pastiche of Chinese aesthetic and cultural traditions.”

Internationally renowned filmmaker Wong Kar Wai will be the exhibition’s artistic director working with his longtime collaborator William Chang, who will supervise styling. Creative production company 59 Productions (exhibition designers for David Bowie is at the V&A Museum and video for the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony) will serve as the exhibition’s production designers.

“William Chang and I are pleased to be working in collaboration with The Costume Institute and the Asian Art Department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art on this exciting cross-cultural show,” said Wong. “Historically, there have been many cases of being ‘lost in translation’–with good and revealing results. As Chinese filmmakers we hope to create a show that is an Empire of Signs–filled with meaning for both East and West to discover and decipher.”

In celebration of the exhibition opening, the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit will take place on Monday, May 4, 2015. Silas Chou will serve as Honorary Chair. The evening’s co-chairs will be Jennifer Lawrence, Gong Li, Marissa Mayer, Wendi Murdoch, and Anna Wintour. This event is The Costume Institute’s main source of annual funding for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and capital improvements. Additional financial support for the 2015 exhibition and benefit is provided by a group of Chinese donors. The design for the 2015 Costume Institute Gala Benefit will be created by Wong Kar Wai and William Chang with 59 Productions, and Raul Avila, who has produced the Benefit décor since 2007. A publication by Andrew Bolton will accompany the exhibition. It will be produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, and will be available in early May.

Four Years Later: Fashion Journalist Cheryl Ann Wadlington on FLOTUS

American Style Expert Cheryl Ann Wadlington‘s 2009 Inaugural Day fashion prediction on the impact of Michelle Obama—and how the First Lady used her image to define fashion without becoming defined.

First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama in Jason Wu. (Ricky Wilking/Reuters)

Original Sketch from Jason Wu

Click here to listen to the interview on NPR’s “Here & Now” radio show with Robin Young.