Balenciaga at the de Young Museum

Visiting the Balenciaga and Spain exhibition at the De Young Museum is like taking a cultural trip through time. Visitors are shown the dynamic play between a rather reserved Spanish culture and the innovative and dramatic designs of Cristóbal Balenciaga. The haute couture clothing, works of art by their own rights, showcase the genius of Balenciaga, and how he used the social and cultural currents in Spanish life to inspire and influence his designs. 

Balenciaga found inspiration in the fantastical matador costumes, dramatic flamenco dancer dresses, common fishermen garb, religious figures and works of art that surrounded him as a young man in Spain. The 120 piece exhibition has been gathered from private collectors and the De Young museum's own collection. 

Curated by Hamish Bowles, the European Editor at Large for Vogue, the exhibition is on display from March 26, 2011 - July 4, 2011. Personally, I have seen numerous fashion exhibitions at the De Young and think the Balenciaga is the best show by far. Not only are Balenciaga's designs exceptional, but the magnificent display and historical context that accompany the pieces provide a panoramic view of this fascinating period in history. 

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Spring is here!

...although it's still cold outside!

Old and New - When Art Meets Fashion

I consider style an art- working different pieces together in a way to harmonize an overall look can be difficult. Using art as stylistic inspiration can run the gauntlet - from Yves St. Laurent's innovative "Mondiran" dress to a kitschy Edvard Munch "The Scream" tee-shirt (although I love the painting, I am glad I have never actually seen someone wearing this shirt...)

Being my first blog post, I wanted to give an example of how art and fashion can combine to create a true, unique style. And while some people look at a Mondrian or Munch and say "That is art?" there is no denying the skill and beauty of Dr. John Robert Thornton's engravings from the 18th century.

Tulips

Dr. John Robert Thornton (c.1765-1832)
Hand-colored engraving from the Temple of Flora

London: 1799-1807

Dr. Thornton brought together the finest flower painters throughout Europe to create his unsurpassed masterpiece, The Temple of Flora or Garden of Nature. These dramatic, highly stylized engravings were the first to include a full, lush backgrounds laden with symbols and allegories.

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Designer Stella McCartney must have seen the historical importance as well as aesthetic qualities of these engravings as she decided to incorporate them into her Spring 2011 line. With her astute sense of cut and shape, she not only has designed dynamic dresses and tops, but has bridged the gap of time, bringing an English physicians fantastical engravings to contemporary fashion and runway.