SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Celebrates the 10th BIRTHDAY of its Famed 10022-SHOE Salon

It’s been 10 years since Saks revolutionized the shoe industry with a shoe floor so big it needed its own zip code; the luxury retailer marks this incredible milestone with more than 75 exclusive styles, windows featuring custom designer birthday cakes, exclusive made-to-order programs, and moredownload (2)

On August 17, Saks Fifth Avenue will celebrate the 10th birthday of its famed 10022-SHOE salon. A pioneer in the footwear industry, Saks Fifth Avenue was among the first retailers to place a greater focus on shoes by creating a shoe department so big, the U.S. Postal Service granted the floor its own ZIP code―10022-SHOE. And now, 10 years later, 10022-SHOE is home to 110 designer brands―a number that has more than doubled since its inception in 2007; holds as many as 200,000 pairs of shoes; and has been expanded into 25 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Brands such as Jimmy Choo, CHANEL, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Gucci, among others, have been with 10022-SHOE since the very beginning and will honor its 10th birthday at Saks with exclusive styles, made-to-order programs, custom birthday cake window designs, and more.

Saks Fifth Avenue

(Photo Courtesy of PRNewsfoto/Saks Fifth Avenue)

Throughout the past 10 years, Saks Fifth Avenue has held a constant and dominating presence in the shoe industry, selling on average 850,000 pairs of shoes per year, which equates to approximately 8.5 million over the course of its 10 year history―that’s enough “shoe footage” to travel up and down the Empire State Building close to 2,000 times!

Coupled with its impressive selection, 10022-SHOE has played host to many launches, exhibitions and firsts:

  • In 2008, 10022-SHOE was chosen to host the 70th anniversary exhibition of ruby slippers honoring the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz,” which included styles by designers including Oscar de la Renta, Stuart Weitzman and Roger Vivier, as well as Judy Garland‘s original ruby slippers designed by Adrian Greenberg of MGM studios;
  • From 2008 to 2015, designers such as Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura, Paul Andrew and Nicholas Kirkwood, among many others, made special appearances at 10022-SHOE locations across the country;
  • In early 2015, 10022-SHOE paid tribute to Disney’s live-action film inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” by collaborating, in partnership with Disney Consumer Products, with nine luxury designers―including Paul Andrew, Tabitha Simmons, Nicholas Kirkwood, Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo―to create their own interpretations of Cinderella‘s famed glass slipper;
  • Later in 2015, 10022-SHOE made history with the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s first U.S. shop-in-shop in the United States; and
  • In 2016, Saks opened its first store dedicated solely to shoes—10022-SHOE Greenwich—located in the heart of Greenwich, CT.

The strength and growth of 10022-SHOE over the past 10 years is a testament to Saks’ commitment to the footwear category as well as our customers’ desire for the depth and breadth of our designer and emerging designer shoe assortment,” stated Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchant, Saks Fifth Avenue. “10022-SHOE is a landmark for shoe lovers in New York City and around the world for one-of-a-kind merchandise and experiences that they cannot find anywhere else―a core principle of Saks’ identity.”

Beginning this month, Saks Fifth Avenue is celebrating 10022-SHOE‘s 10th birthday with:

  • More than 75 exclusive shoe styles from powerhouse brands such as Aquazzura, Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino Garavani and Gianvito Rossi;
  • 12 exclusive made-to-order programs, including programs by Prada, Alexandre Birman, Manolo Blahnik, Nicholas Kirkwood, Roger Vivier and Jimmy Choo; and
  • 16 designer Happy Birthday 10022-SHOE cakes featured in the New York flagship store’s windows designed by brands such as Valentino Garavani, Gianvito Rossi, Gucci and Prada.

From Thursday, Aug. 17 until Sunday, Aug. 20, Saks will showcase a visual installation in its New York flagship, entitled “10 Galleries: A Decade of Shoes.” Each of the 10 installations will play off the 10022-SHOE exclusive items and trends and invite customers to discover, interact with, and celebrate all things shoes.

Notable footwear designers share memories about Saks Fifth Avenue and 10022-SHOE:

Designer Christian Louboutin speaks about his fondest memory of Saks’ 10022-SHOE: “Doing a personal appearance on the shoe level when it was first opened where women told me intimate stories about themselves and their shoes. It made me understand the desire of the American customer, their differences in their approach, and their taste for luxury.”

Designer Manolo Blahnik speaks about his fondest memory of Saks’ 10022-SHOE: “I think when we first launched our boutique in 2015―we had a book signing and dinner. It was an honour to meet so many women who loved my shoes … I love it [Saks]! It has always been one of my favourite stores, so beautiful and feminine!

Designer Sandra Choi of Jimmy Choo―a brand which first launched at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1997―recalls her favorite memory, designing the commemorative 2007 10022-SHOE stamp: “The custom Jimmy Choo stamp I designed for the inauguration of the shoe floor 10 years ago. It was designed to reflect the unique zip code that was created to mark the opening. It featured a sketch I drew of a signature pump, it was such a fun and original idea.”

Designer Nicholas Kirkwood speaks to his exclusive 10022-SHOE birthday style: “I wanted to create something completely different to celebrate the 10022-SHOE 10th birthday, but also something special, and I loved the idea of the interplay between masculinity and femininity so it was from there that I designed the Combat boot.”

Designer Paul Andrew speaks about his partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue: “Saks has been a signifier of style and sophistication since they opened their doors for the first time in 1924. When I launched my own brand in 2013, my very first order came from Saks. It was a surreal moment—and Saks will always hold a special place in my heart for that reason.”

Designer Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura speaks fondly about Saks Fifth Avenue: “Saks is such an iconic shopping hub, especially the historic Fifth Avenue flagship, and it’s just amazing to be carried there and all over the United States … Saks was the first department store to buy AQUAZZURA in the U.S. and as one of our key partners, they have continued to believe in me and my designs ever since. Over the years the working relationship has blossomed into a friendship.

Check out Saks’ 10 top shoe trends in the upcoming Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Book, which will be available in stores and on saks.com August 16. Visitors can view their local stores’ 10022-SHOE celebratory activities on the Store & Locations page on Saks.com. Saks Fifth Avenue also welcomes viewers to connect via its social channels, and to follow #10022SHOE for insider access.

Fashion Exhibition: Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective to Open at San Francisco’s Fine Arts Museum

All Images courtesy of The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco) will present the world premiere retrospective of the late Oscar de la Renta’s work (March 12, 2016 – May 30, 2016, Herbst Exhibition Galleries) – the first major survey celebrating the life and career of one of fashion’s most influential designers. The exhibition is organized in close collaboration with the House of Oscar de la Renta and the designer’s family, and is curated by André Leon Talley, former American editor-at-large for Vogue and a lifelong friend of de la Renta.MS_24

I am honored and excited to be the curator of the definitive Oscar de la Renta retrospective exhibition at the de Young museum,” said André Leon Talley. “This privilege is exceedingly important for me after years of close friendship with Oscar, as well as a strong working relationship during my life at Vogue. My goal is to highlight the extraordinary depth of Oscar’s creative aesthetic from his earliest designs for Jane Derby throughout the five decades of his remarkable career.

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Oscar de la Renta with Andre Leon Talley

Included are more than 130 ensembles produced over five decades. These garments are organized into several thematic sections: Early Work; Spanish, Eastern, Russian And Garden Influences; Daywear and Eveningwear; and Ball Gowns and Red Carpet Ensembles. The presentation traces the rise of de la Renta’s career in Spain, where he gained his first commissions; his formative years spent in the world’s most iconic fashion houses; and his eventual role as a designer for many of the most influential and celebrated personalities of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Ensembles in the exhibition will be drawn from the designer’s personal collection, the archives of the House of Balmain, public and private collections from around the world and the Fine Arts Museums’ costume collection. Viewers will see gowns worn by dignitaries and celebrities that include former First Lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Karlie Kloss, Nicki Minaj, Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Rihanna and Amy Adams.

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Sarah Jessica Parker

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Superstar Opera Singer Renee Fleming

Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014) left his native Dominican Republic at the age of eighteen to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While living in Spain, he became interested in the world of design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses, which soon led to an apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Later, he left Spain to join Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant at the House of Lanvin in Paris. In 1963, he came to New York to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden. In 1965, Oscar de la Renta founded his signature ready-to-wear label and is among the world’s most prestigious fashion brands. (For more information please visit www.oscardelarenta.com.)GettyImages-104192674_master

Both our company and our family are proud that the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are organizing the first full-scale retrospective of Oscar’s work,” said Alex Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta. “The Museums’ outstanding collections, augmented by open access to our archives, all viewed through the curatorial eye of Oscar’s dear friend André Leon Talley, will convey well the unique artistry that Oscar brought to the world of fashion.” Continue reading

Neiman Marcus Announces Stella Tennant as the Face of The Spring 2015 Art of Fashion Campaign Photographed by Luigi & Iango

Neiman Marcus announces the Spring 2015 Art of Fashion Campaign with photographers Luigi Murenu and iango Henzi. Luigi & iango capture the Scottish model Stella Tennant in 28 of spring’s boldest looks. The simplicity of the set lets the dramatic clothes, the sinuous Tennant, and the lensmen’s superb lighting—a single giant lamp typically reserved for film sets—work their magic.

Stella Tennant In Tom Ford

Stella Tennant In Tom Ford

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Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

The lights are strong and continuous. Brutal,” attests Murenu, one half of the New York–based team. “But Stella is very artistic, her body expressive.” Over the three-day shoot, Murenu and Henzi switch roles organically, pivoting between art-directing compositions and stepping behind the camera. “We’re completely integrated to one idea even if it has two voices,” Murenu explains.

The Swiss-born Henzi brings the precision of fine art, while Murenu, raised in Sardinia, radiates with the excitement of fashion. Together, they create images that compel—and endure—with a streetwise elegance.

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The Spring 2015 Art of Fashion campaign is about classic, iconic fashion photography and bringing together three amazing creative forces: Luigi, iango and Stella Tennant,” said Georgia Christensen, Neiman Marcus Executive Creative Director. “It was wonderful to see Luigi and iango work together and experience their creative process. Two minds. Two points of view that came together seamlessly into one portfolio of images. A true collaboration of passionate artists devoted to the industry. Stella is a dream, I often found myself mesmerized by her on set. The result is extraordinary imagery.”

Designer merchandise featured in the Spring 2015 campaign includes: Akris, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry Prorsum, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Cucinelli, Derek Lam, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Erdem, Gucci, Lanvin, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, The Row, Tom Ford, and Valentino.

Since 1994, each spring and fall, the world’s most visionary photographers have carried the torch and given The Art of Fashion their own signature. Past photographers have included: Richard Avedon, Geof Kern, Peggy Sirota, Ruven Afandador, Diego Uchitel, Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort, Camilla Akrans, Raymond Meier, Erik Madigan Heck, and Walter Chin. The campaign will be featured in our publication “the Book” as well as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Vanity Fair.

Academy of Arts University Fashion Design and Textile Design Students Shine at Fall/Winter 2014 New Fashion Week

Designer Profile and Inspiration Images by David Dooley/Runway Images by Randy Brooke/WireImage 

Every designer dreams of showing their collection at Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week, and on Friday, February 7th that dream came true for 13 designers from the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University. “Since 2005, the School of Fashion has premiered the collections of students and recent graduates during New York Fashion Week. Part of our commitment to our students is to help launch their careers and have their work seen by industry professionals,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of Academy of Art University. “Debuting these designers’ collections during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an incredible opportunity for each of them.”

With more than 18,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest accredited private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited A.A., B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., and M.Arch degree programs in Acting, Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, Landscape Architecture, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media, Photography, Visual Development, and Web Design & New Media. Online degrees are offered in most areas. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), NAAB (Master of Architecture), and CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation offered for BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD).

For the Fall 2014 season, 13 designers presented eight collections, four of which were collaborations between Fashion Design and Textile Design students. In total, six womenswear and two menswear collections were presented at the Academy of Art University Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show.

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Jaci Hodges, M.F.A. Fashion Design, collaborated with Nisha Hanna Btesh, B.F.A. Textile Design, on a 1960s-inspired womenswear collection that was created with the use of Shibori, the Japanese technique of resistance felting. Originally from Austin, TX, Jaci holds a B.B.A. in Marketing with a minor in Philosophy. Additionally, she recently completed a design internship with gr.dano, a Bay Area ready-to-wear company co-founded by fellow alumna Jill Giordano. Nisha is a California native, born and raised in San Diego. Jaci and Nisha were inspired by the excess of prints worn during the late 1960s, in particular to those seen on the Brady Bunch, and the costumes worn by Mia Farrow in the film Dandy in Aspic.

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Frank Tsai, M.F.A. Fashion Design, collaborated with Andrea Nieto, B.F.A. Textile Design, on a menswear collection inspired by the mood and emotion of an international photography collection, “Beauty in Decay,” personal struggle, raw emotion, and the different stages of the healing process. Frank was born and raised in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, earned a B.S. Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, was awarded high honors for his undergraduate fashion show, and worked as the Marketing Manager for FU YU Clothing Company. Andrea grew up in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is on the Academy of Art University President’s Honor List, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship through the YMA Scholarship Fund as a Geoffrey Beene National Scholar, and recently finished a design internship at BCBGMAXAZRIA. Continue reading

Trend-ology: New Exhibition to Open at The Museum at FIT

Fashion & Textile History Gallery at The Museum at FIT

December 3, 2013 – April 30, 2014

The Museum at FIT will present Trend-ology, a new exhibition that examines the sources from which fashion trends have emerged over the past 250 years. Themes highlighted include 18th-century court dress, the rise of the couturier in 19th-century Paris, hip hop fashion, and more recent developments related to blogging, fast fashion, and social-media networking. Featuring approximately 100 objects from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition will also highlight industry developments that have had an impact on how trends propagate. The show features designs by Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Rei Kawakubo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Helmut Lang, Martin Margiela, and Opening Ceremony, to name a few. Also on view is a video produced exclusively for Trend-ology, featuring interviews with fashion insiders Simon Doonan, Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony and Kenzo, Saul Lopez Silva of WGSN, and many others.

(left) Rodarte, evening dress, black and nude net, wool, black leather, beads, cheese cloth, and metal gauze, spring 2010, USA, museum purchase, (right) Rodarte for Target, evening dress, polyester crepe chiffon, 2009, USA, gift of The Fashion and Textile Studies Department and the School of Graduate Studies

(left) Rodarte, evening dress, black and nude net, wool, black leather, beads, cheese cloth, and metal gauze, spring 2010, USA, museum purchase, (right) Rodarte for Target, evening dress, polyester crepe chiffon, 2009, USA, gift of The Fashion and Textile Studies Department and the School of Graduate Studies

Fashion trends change every season, with shifts in print, color, material, embellishment, and silhouette. These derive from a variety of sources, including urban street style, art, music, film, and socio-political movements. The word “trend” first arose as an economic term used to describe shifts in financial markets. Today, the word is ubiquitous in the fashion media, and trend forecasting companies have made researching and predicting trends a profitable business.

Yet, as we move further into the 21st century, specific trends seem increasingly hard to define. The advent of fast fashion, the internet, and social media have created a quick-paced global environment in which fashion trends emerge and spread in faster and more complex ways than ever before. By looking back at the history of trends, Trend-ology aims to help viewers gain insight into the current state of the trend cycle.

Louis Vuitton (Takashi Murakami), “Speedy 30” monogram handbag, multicolor monogram canvas, 2003, France, museum purchase

Louis Vuitton (Takashi Murakami), “Speedy 30” monogram handbag, multicolor monogram canvas, 2003, France, museum purchase

Trend-ology will open with an overview of 21st-century developments in fashion retailing. These will include examples from fast-fashion companies, such as Zara, H&M, and Topshop, that have contributed to the increasing fascination–and anxiety–surrounding trends. High-low collaborations, including a “Rodarte for Target” sequined dress from 2009, will be juxtaposed with high fashion designs–in this case, a runway piece from Rodarte’s spring 2010 collection. A selection of “It” bags, including a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 bag designed in collaboration with Japanese artist Takeshi Murakami, will illustrate how important the sale of accessories has become to luxury brands during the new millennium. To highlight the recent emergence of concept stores, the introductory section will culminate with ensembles from Opening Ceremony and Colette.

The exhibition’s historical chronology will begin with two 18th-century ensembles, one for a man and the other for a woman, rendered in vibrant shades of yellow. Once negatively associated with “heretics,” yellow became a trendy color in 18th-century dress. The change in yellow’s cultural meaning can be traced to the growing popularity in Europe of chinoiserie. In China, yellow was an auspicious color associated with the emperor.

(left) Dress, yellow silk faille, circa 1770, USA (possibly), museum purchase, (right) Men’s coat, yellow silk, circa 1790,  USA (possibly), museum purchase

(left) Dress, yellow silk faille, circa 1770, USA (possibly), museum purchase, (right) Men’s coat, yellow silk, circa 1790, USA (possibly), museum purchase

(left) Dress, yellow silk faille, circa 1770, USA (possibly), museum purchase, (right) Men’s coat, yellow silk, circa 1790,  USA (possibly), museum purchase

(left) Dress, yellow silk faille, circa 1770, USA (possibly), museum purchase, (right) Men’s coat, yellow silk, circa 1790, USA (possibly), museum purchase

Dress, tartan silk, circa 1812, Scotland, museum purchase

Dress, tartan silk, circa 1812, Scotland, museum purchase

A selection of tartan dresses will show a recurring international trend for tartan dress that emerged during the 19th century from the widespread popularity of Sir Walter Scott’s Scottish-themed novels.

Starting in the mid-19th century, the pace of the trend cycle was accelerated by certain capitalist developments, such as the emergence of the couture house and the subsequent rise of the department store. These developments will be addressed in Trend-ology with a dress, circa 1883, by couturier Charles Fredrick Worth shown alongside an ensemble from Lord & Taylor, circa 1895, and a Lord & Taylor mail-order catalogue from the same period. Continue reading

Christian Siriano to Be Featured Designer at 2014 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show to Benefit the Symphony’s Educational Outreach Programs

Show-stopping Designs for Fall 2014 to Be Revealed at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nashville Symphony Fashion Show Co-Chairs Vicki Horne and Dara Russell have announced that Christian Siriano will be the featured designer for the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show, showcasing his Fall/Winter 2014 collection, to be held

Christina Hendricks wearing a Christian Siriano design

Christina Hendricks wearing a Christian Siriano design

Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The show is presented by Lexus and sponsored by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra League with proceeds from the event to support the Nashville Symphony’s education programs, which annually serve 100,000 schoolchildren across Middle Tennessee. Past designers for the event have included Oscar de la Renta, MARCHESA, Monique Lhuillier and Isaac Mizrahi.

Boutique partner Gus Mayer will kick off the countdown to the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show with a trunk show on November 5 and 6, 2013, featuring Siriano’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on both days, and the designer will be making a personal appearance at Gus Mayer from noon-6 p.m. on November 6. Members of the public are invited to try on Siriano’s chic designs and find the perfect ensemble for spring. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Nashville Symphony.

We are thrilled to partner with Gus Mayer to present Christian Siriano’s trendsetting designs,” says co-chair Dara Russell. “Christian’s style is totally unique, and his collections provide a distinctive look for everyone. Anyone with an eye for style won’t want to miss it!”

Co-chair Vicki Horne adds, “It is an honor to be involved in planning this spectacular event, which brings top designers to Nashville each year. We are proud that the Symphony Fashion Show makes a significant impact on our community by providing so many young people with music education programming and opportunities.”

Siriano attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and interned with industry legends Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. The Christian Siriano Collection debuted in 2006 and is shown each season at New York Fashion Week and presented to retailers in New York City and Paris. Known for his whimsical and show-stopping design – from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tailored sportswear, as well as intricate shoes and accessories – the collection can be found at specialty boutiques and department stores around the globe.

In 2012, the stand-alone flagship Christian Siriano store opened in New York City and in 2013, Siriano was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). His designs have been popular on the red carpet with Taylor Swift, Christina Hendricks and Heidi Klum

Tickets for the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show begin at $300, which includes reserved seating and an elegant cocktail buffet after the show. For more information or to request an invitation, please visit http://www.nashvillesymphony.org/fashionshow.

Charles James Exhibition and New Costume Institute Galleries to Open in May 2014 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

(Images by Lea Christiano and Lolly Koon)

Gala Benefit May 5, 2014, with Chair Aerin Lauder and Co-Chairs Bradley Cooper, Oscar de la Renta, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, and Anna Wintour

Exhibition Dates:      May 8–August 10, 2014

Exhibition Location: The New Costume Institute Galleries and first-floor Special Exhibition Galleries   

Press Preview:  Monday, May 5, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, announced today that the inaugural exhibition of the newly renovated Costume Institute in spring 2014 will examine the career of legendary 20th-century Anglo-American couturier Charles James (1906–1978).  Charles James: Beyond Fashion, on view from May 8 through August 10, 2014 (preceded on May 5 by The Costume Institute Benefit), will be presented in two locations–The Costume Institute’s new galleries as well as special exhibitions galleries on the Museum’s first floor. The exhibition will explore James’s design process and his use of sculptural, scientific, and mathematical approaches to construct revolutionary ball gowns and innovative tailoring that continue to influence designers today.

Charles James, 1947

Charles James, 1947

Charles James, 1947

Charles James, 1947

Charles James considered himself an artist, and approached fashion with a sculptor’s eye and a scientist’s logic,” said Mr. Campbell.  “As such, the Museum, and in particular, the new Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery in The Costume Institute, offer the ideal setting in which to contextualize the complexity of James’s work.

The New Costume Institute

May 2014 will mark the grand reopening of The Costume Institute space after an overall two-year renovation, reconfiguration, and updating. The 4,200-square-foot Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery will represent a fundamental change in the Museum’s approach to its costume collection, including a flexible design that lends itself to frequent transformation, a zonal sound system, innovative projection technology, wireless connectivity, and exhibitions on view 10 months a year.

Charles James, 1948

Charles James, 1948

Charles James, 1950

Charles James, 1950

Charles James, 1951

Charles James, 1951

The New Costume Institute will also include the Carl and Iris Barrel Apfel Gallery, which will orient visitors to The Costume Institute’s exhibitions and holdings; a state-of-the-art costume conservation center; an expanded study/storage facility that will house the combined holdings of the Met and the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection; and The Irene Lewisohn Costume Reference Library, one of the world’s foremost fashion libraries. The project is funded by a gift from Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, as well as proceeds raised at the annual Costume Institute Benefit under the leadership of Anna Wintour, and from commitments by Janet and Howard Kagan and the Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation, IncThe Costume Institute was last refurbished in 1992.      Continue reading

Neiman Marcus Unveils Fall 2013 The Art Of Fashion Campaign Photographed by Artist Sarah Moon

Alexander McQueen NM AOF Fall 2013.  (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Alexander McQueen NM AOF Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Soon to be seen in the big September fashion issues and the September edition of the Neiman Marcus’s in-house publication, the book , Neiman Marcus announced The Fall 2013 Art of Fashion Campaign. Debuting nearly 20 years ago, The Art of Fashion was a revolutionary step for the luxury retailer to feature cutting-edge fashion and provocative photography, as well as highlighting some of their top picks of the season. Designer merchandise featured in the Fall 2013 campaign includes Alexander McQueen, Stephen Webster, Dior, Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin Paris, Manolo Blahnik, The Row, Jil Sander, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Akris, Charlotte Olympia, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de La Renta, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Giorgio Armani, Proenza Schuler, Azzedine Alaia and Tom Ford.

Gucci Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013.  (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Gucci Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Shot by veteran artist/photographer Sarah Moon, Creative Director Georgia Christensen is especially pleased with this year’s edition of the campaiagn: “There’s soul to her work. She loves clothes. And there’s a wonderful combination of modern and conventional. She’s shooting digital but then they’re physically moving the background.”

Tom Ford Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013.  (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Tom Ford Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

NEIMAN MARCUS UNVEILS THE 2013 SPRING ART OF FASHION CAMPAIGN FEATURING ARTIST WALTER CHIN

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Alexander McQueen.  (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Alexander McQueen. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

Neiman Marcus announced WALTER CHIN as the photographer of THE ART OF FASHION campaign for SPRING 2013. The campaign, featuring models KARLIE KLOSS and VIKA FALILEEVA, includes twenty-two images of spring fashions and will appear in the March edition of the Neiman Marcus publication, the book.  The campaign is presently running in the March 2013 issue of Vogue.

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Christian Louboutin.  (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Christian Louboutin. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

Continue reading