The End is Near

Julia and I on the Met Rooftop Garden

This past weekend was my second to last weekend in NYC. On Friday I finally made it to the Prada and Schiaparelli exhibit titled Impossible Conversations, at the Met. I didn't really know what to expect after the McQueen exhibit last summer which was so impeccably put together and beautiful--definitely hard to top. The thing is that Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada lived in completely different eras, yet their inspirations and designs share many similarities and fit quite well together and the exhibit did an excellent job of showing how each designer reflected the other. Because Schiaparelli focused on the waist up, and Prada on the waist down, their pieces could be shown together as a whole. I especially liked where they contrasted Schiaparelli's hats with Prada's shoes. Throughout the entire exhibit was a running video of a simulated conversation between Prada and Schiparelli. As an art history major, I found it particularly interesting to learn that Schiaparelli was active in the Surrealist movement, specifically working with Dali on many of her designs. I love Dali and had no idea he had influenced fashion! If I had the money I would certainly invest in one of her pieces that Dali influenced...

Sunset on the East River

After the Met I went to the gym to finish my lifting for the week. For some reason I have an intense obsession with not falling out of my lifting cycle because I know once the next week rolls around, I have a whole new set of exercises to do. I would much rather miss a swim practice that my lifting because I know that the practice can be changed where as I always feel the need to complete my lifting... its weird. After lifting I ate dinner and then went to a friends rooftop to enjoy the views of the city and good company.

The main reading room

Saturday morning Ash and I took a tour of the New York Public Library. I had never been inside before and I am so so glad I went. The library gives free tours to the public Monday through Saturday at 11am and 2pm, and at 2pm on Sunday. The inside of the library is even more glorious than the exterior and some of the facts that our tour guide threw out were mind boggling. For example, the library has an annual budget of 320 million dollars, and 75 miles of bookshelves... insane. After the tour I ran to Magnolia Bakery to pick up Caroline's birthday cake, and then hailed a cab to Penn Station. I had 11 minutes to make my train and I sprinted from the cab, to the ticket kiosk, to the train, like the crazy person that I am. I am a LIRR champ and so I obviously made it, but I was also drenched in sweat...

I took the train out to Cold Spring Harbor where Caroline threw a great 21st birthday party at her house and we hit up the bars of Huntington. On Sunday I hung out with Caroline at her friends pool, eating delicious food and just relaxing. I can see why New Yorkers love to get out of the city in the summer if they have a nice pool or beach to relax at...

Artsy

Chicago Seven

I forgot to mention the awesome art exhibit I saw last Friday! I went to the Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea and saw the Richard Avedon show titled, "Murals and Portraits." I was initially drawn to see it because Richard Avedon is one of the grandfathers of fashion photography, having worked for Vogue and produced many iconic images for them, but apparently he worked in many other genres.

Rose Mary Woods

I was blown away by his murals, that were probably about 9-10 feet high and stretched 20 feet long. My favorite was of the Chicago Seven, a group of individuals who were charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot among other charges at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The 60s were a time of immense social, political, and cultural change, especially in relation to gay rights, women, and the Vietnam War. The three other murals were of the Mission Council (Vietnam War), Warhol and his Factory, and Allen Ginsberg's Family.  The sheer size of the works were impressive and you really had to stand in front of them for at least 10 minutes to soak it all in.

Another of my favorite shots was his portrait of Rose Mary Woods, secretary to President Nixon. Something about the portrait is just so brutally honest and pure, and I love it. The photos he took in Vietnam were very moving as well.

One of his most famous fashion shots

I HIGHLY recommend this show.

All for Tony

Last night I sat on the couch with my Mom and she flicked on the 2010 Tony Awards. Now, since I don't get out much to actually see a musical or play, I was watching to see who was wearing what. Over all, I was very impressed by most of what people were wearing, from mini-dresses to ornate gowns, everyone was looking their best. At 84 years old, Angela Lansbury didn't let her age stop her from looking great in red gown. Jada Pinkett Smith (and I have to note her husband Will as well who looked so handsome in his patterned tux) and Camille Donatacci Grammer followed suit in red dresses as well, although Jada's was much shorter and accentuated her toned body with large ruffles. I must say, that although I am not a huge fan of musicals, especially Glee, Lea Michele looked drop dead gorgeous in her golden yellow Zac Posen gown. Gotta say that her bangs worked perfectly with the look and her minimal
jewelry just helped to show off the dress and her figure. Cate Blanchett made a bold move by choosing a sleek and fitted silver blazer and matching pants. I must say that I approve of this look and her edgy bob--it really works for her and I would love to borrow that blazer some time. As for Naomi Watts, I was bored by her subdued nude/blush colored gown and black belt. Lucy Lui on the other hand showed everyone how to wear such a neutral color in her tulle Marchesa gown. And of course, Scarlett Johansson looked sultry and beautiful as ever in an emerald Elie Saab gown; it was also nice to see her flying solo from her Ryan. I can't wait to attend some sort of even where I can hopefully wear a gown like one of these (preferably the yellow Zac Posen).