Mission: Impossible Conversations

This year’s Fashion Institute Exhibit – Impossible Conversation runs now through August 19th.

Certain things about us are hereditary, for example my sister and I have my father’s dark brown eyes, his cute button nose and my mother’s thin hair. Other things are taught by example, such as my family’s gift for sarcasm and zingers, our ability to remain calm in the face of crisis and our proclivity to procrastinate until the very last minute. That last one has bit me in the ass countless times, including last summer when I waited until the final two weeks to see “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York City. When Dana and I finally made it to the exhibit in the middle of August, the wait time for admission was quoted at three hours. Luckily, it was actually closer to 90 minutes. Regardless it was insanity and I learned my lesson. This year I would make sure to go see “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” nice and early to avoid the lines and chaos that comes later in the season.

A lot of focus on the designer’s focus on opposite ends of the form. Prada loves shoes, Schiaparelli loved hats.

My friend June and I met on the top of the MET steps on Friday night to take in the exhibit. My expectations were high from last year’s amazing exhibit. But, at the same time I hopped that it would be better edited as I felt “Savage Beauty” went on forever. I was not disappointed, the exhibit was the perfect length (it took us about an hour to take it all in). You are greeted with a short film featuring the two designers seated at an ornate table having dinner together. The exhibit uses these Baz Luhrmann directed features to imagine how these two designers separated by time would coexist. The exhibit itself juxtaposed their design style, specifically how Schiaparelli preferred to play the top body’s top half, and Prada focuses on the bottom half. It then shows how both women went against expectations and tradition to find success. I found some of the connections to be a stretch, that could be applied to any two designers or artists. But, relished the chance to learn about and see some of Schiaparelli’s creations in person. Her dialogue in the films was made up of quotes from her memoir, brought to life by Judy Davis. I found her to be polarizing and much more interesting than Prada.

The finale of the exhibit.

Towards the end of the exhibit the two women discuss the idea of fashion being art. Schiaparelli says yes of course, where as Prada disagrees saying designing clothes is just a job. Ironic Prada should say this as she is the one who lived to see her work featured in one of the world’s foremost art museums. It was here that Schiaparelli’s work with Dali was featured, showing just how much her fashions were art. It was her fashion is art and inspiration is all around us attitude that charmed me. Especially compared to Prada’s everything has been done, I hate my past collections mindset which felt like a fashion world cliche. I wish that the exhibit had focused more on Schiaparelli’s downfall in the fashion world. How did a woman who once rivaled Coco Chanel become a footnote in fashion history?

Regardless of how thin the theme is at points, the fashion porn makes it worth seeing.

The last line of the final short film has the two fashion legends pondering if they would be friends or foes if they designed in the same time period. My friend June said it best when she replied they would frenemies. Its musings like that paired with the copious amounts of fashion porn that make the exhibit work. Even at points where the connections between the two designers are a stretch. All in all, it’s very interesting, very beautiful and very worth checking out if you have the opportunity. Just make sure to do so before the procrastinator rush at the end of the season, because while it may be chic to be fashionably late, a three hour wait in line is never in style.

Hugging Jessica Chastain

Last week, I posted all about my adventures at the MET Gala. While sharing my stories and sightings I mentioned that I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Chastain. And lost my damn mind. Now, those of you who know me, know I am usually pretty level headed when it comes to meeting celebrities. So I wanted to share this picture of me and Jessica hugging on 79th street, where it is obvious I am having an excitement stroke. I feel like I should be embarrassed but she was so receptive and seemed equally as excited as I was that I feel like it’s funny. It’s not all good news though, when Jessica and I crossed paths there were rumors she would be starring opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 3. The idea of Gwyneth and Jessica starring in a movie together? AMAZING. But, sadly Jessica took to Facebook to announce her schedule was too full for her to take part and it won’t be working out. I look forward to seeing who fills Jessica’s shoes in Iron Man 3. But, I can pretty much guarantee whoever it is will never get as enthusiastic a reaction as Jessica did.

The Drab Days Are Over…

Florence Welch on Monday night in Alexander McQueen.

From the moment I saw it while standing outside the MET on Monday night, I was in love with the Alexander McQueen gown Florence Welch wore to the MET Gala. And, a few seconds after that I began to take heat for it. My friend Lauren hated it. Later on, while we were watching “Dancing with the Stars” and eating pizza, Lauren read that the gown was an Alexander McQueen and said “no wonder you love it.” Later on when Dana and June joined us, Dana also shaded Flo’s McQueen. And, a quick Google search will show you countless sites saying negative things about the gown. I’ve read that it was tacky, busy, too much and weird. But, I don’t see any of that when I look at it. I see just a beautiful dress that looks like a fashion fantasy come to live.

This photo is what inspired this blog, the movement of the gown is so beautiful. It really is a piece of art.

Flashback to 2006, when SJP wore an Alexander McQueen tartan gown to that year’s MET Gala.

What I find most comical about this influx of negativity is that it gives me deja vu. In 2006, Sarah Jessica Parker went to the MET Gala on the arm of Lee McQueen himself, in a tartan gown. The tabloids and fashion blogs tore her apart for it. Fast forward to 2011 after we lost McQueen, the same gown was featured in the “Savage Beauty” exhibit. Funny how it went from the worst dressed list to a piece of art featured in a museum in just a few short years. Now, Flo’s gown is not only from the designer honored last year with his own exhibit. The frock looks awfully similar to ones featured in said exhibit. Turn to page 110 in your “Savage Beauty” hardcover coffee table book if you don’t believe me! The idea that almost a million people waited on line for hours to see McQueen creations but then throw shade at Florence for wearing one is crazy. Like Nigel says in “the Devil Wears Prada”, fashion is better than art, because you live your life in it. So please, don’t hate on my girl Florence for living her life in a masterpiece.

How We MET…

Drunk and dressed in a Justin Bieber t-shirt with Anne Hathaway…

Earlier I posted all about my latest adventure at Monday night’s MET Gala. But, I thought I would come to explain how the MET Gala went from something I read about online the morning after to something I went out to watch in person. My MET Gala history is brief, two years ago after attending a trivia game night at Southern Hospitality that a friend was holding, we stumbled upon the after party for the gala. And, like Christopher Columbus before us, our accidental discovery was a treasure trove of fabulous. A group of us perched in front of the Mark Hotel and met Anne Hathaway, Michael Kors and Donnatella Versace. It should be stated for the record, I was in a Bieber Fever t-shirt and was very drunk on frozen margaritas. So the following year, I had decided to dress a little nicer and maybe not get white girl wasted prior to the East Coast version of the Oscars. And thus, a tradition was born.

2012.

2011.

2010.

Like I said, I made sure to try and dress a little nicer. I mean, I always try to dress nice wherever I go. But, I decided to put on a little bow tie and a black jacket. Some people snickered thinking I had rented a tux. But, I want it known it is a basic sports jacket and a bow tie. Sorry it looks like a million bucks. It is all smoke and mirrors. If you look at the photos, the effort pays off. Especially when juxtaposed with that first year in the t-shirt. Plus Monday night, I got compliments from Coco Rocha and Cheyenne Jackson. Even more noteworthy, when I said hello to Anna Wintour on Monday night, she smiled (WITH TEETH!) when she said hello back and to be honest her opinion matters a little more than… well pretty much anyone.

MET Ball-er…

God save the Queen.

It has been previously stated here on BEST Blog, that my favorite holiday is Fashion’s Night Out. The celebration of retail, fashion and celebrities is an annual Autumn cornucopia of things Brian Tuft lives for. But, if Fashion’s Night Out is Christmas, then Monday night’s MET Gala was Easter. It is the night Anna reserects after dying for our sins by planning a fabulous charity gala. Each year Anna is reborn more fabulous, more successful and more inspiring. Monday Night’s Gala was to celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Schiarpelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”. The annual CI exhibit is one of my favorite things. I loved installations of years past like “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”, “Celebrating Chanel” and “Model and Muse”. Obviously, last year’s McQueen exhibit “Savage Beauty” was more like a religious experience than a museum trip for me. Needless to say, May 10th cannot get here soon enough. But, until it does I have the memories of Monday night to keep me occupied.

Coco Rocha and I, doesn’t she look so chic in her vintage Givenchy suit? A recent acquisition from the Liz Taylor auctions.

My friend Lauren and I met outside the MET on Monday night and settled in to watch arrivals. We watched as Chace Crawford, Eva Mendez, Kristen Stewart and countless others filed out of their SUVs and into the tent. At one point, we could see directly into the lavish tent. Perfectly lit, lined with photographers and an immaculate red carpet draped down the most famous stoop in New York City. Watching Florence Welch and Rihanna walk up the stairs, it was like looking into a fabulous, A-list doll house. The night only improved from there, I got to see and encounter countless stars which is always exciting. But, with all of the gawkers and stalkers you were usually limited to a quick blur as Tim Tebow, Justin Timberlake and Liv Tyler ran from the madness in their black tie fab. I did get the chance to chat with Coco Rocha one of my favorite models. She was donning a yellow paint suit that was a recent purchase from the Elizabeth Taylor auction. The Hollywood legend not only wore the suit, but apparently spilled red wine on it. I couldn’t spot any stains but they almost apparently stopped Rocha from wearing it. Until Vogue editors reminded her that the stain was Liz Taylor’s and that makes it okay. I told Coco how chic she looked and guess what? She looked me in the eyes and said “you do too”. I DIE.

Cheyenne Jackson, he’s played roles on Glee, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty and frequently appears in my dreams.

Later, I got to meet Cheyenne Jackson, Broadway veteran, TV star and all around dream boat. I told him how excited I was to see him on the 30 Rock Live show last month and when I inquired why he was not on more regularly he said he wasn’t really sure and it wasn’t up to him. To which I say, Tina Fey get your shit together. After that, we spotted real life Snow White and Prince Charming Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas as they party hopped. They were as gracious as their storybook counterparts. Dallas even got to play White Knight to Goodwyn when an overzealous fan got a little excited. My favorite encounter of the night was Jessica Chastain. Regular readers know how much I love Jessica, but it may surprise you to know I lost my proverbial shit while speaking with her. I babbled incessantly about how much I love her, the Jessica Chastain movie club Lauren and I started and how sweet she is. She was so gracious and told me how sweet I was and that she loved me too. Ugh, I can’t with her she’s so flawless.

Finally, while I didn’t get to see all of the gowns in person I thought that the MET Gala had so many amazing fashion moments. The outfit I was most obsessed with was Florence Welch’s Alexander McQueen gown. It was over the top sure, but it was so fun and so beautiful and everything the MET Gala and Costume Institute is about. Beauty, glamor, craftsmanship. I got the chance to tell Flo how much I loved it and she thanked me wholeheartedly and even blew me a kiss. My second favorite was Amy Adams who looked stunning in Giambattista Valli. Third place goes to Hilary Swank who turned out the glam on the arm of date Michael Kors who made the beautiful red halter gown she wore. I also want to shout out my girl Gwyneth. I wasn’t crazy about the Prada apron. But, it was exciting to see you in a new silhouette. Still love you girl, and let’s be real you were never going to top the Tom Ford from the Oscars.

The thing that stinks about the MET Gala, FNO or even real holidays is that they are so short. I look forward to this evening every year, even before I went and gawked at the couture in real life. And even with all the anticipation it is still just one night, one fabulous, glamorous and star studded night. Just as I start to feel the post holiday depression we all get, I remember… Only a few more days until the exhibit opens to the public. And only 362 days until the next MET Gala. Forget the Conversation, the Impossible part is going to be the wait until next year.