ART & FASHION SALON: July 2012

Looking for something unique that you wont find anywhere else? Especially in menswear for a change you ask? Look no further than one of the coolest boutiques in the city; Any Old Iron located at 149 Orchard, http://www.anyoldiron.net/. I discovered this specialty shop while walking the Lower East Side one afternoon and have been back several times. Their focus is mainly on menswear's, and yet women have plenty to choose from - I love their accessories and browsing the art. (Yes, a great art/fashion mix!) You will feel like you stepped into a London boutique as mostly everything is U.K. designer based (Vivienne Westwood and more), along with many one of a kind, stand out choices you can only find here. The fabulous hand designed t-shirts (see below), are for men and women, again, all hand designed. It's about time to see something truly stylish and affordable for men that's not a mass-produced.

The friendly English-gallery type atmosphere is very welcoming as is the owner/operator/stylist Andrew Claney, (below), a true joy to chat with while shopping. (Also adorable and welcoming is his little Boston Terrier named Monkey who lights up the store!) Clancey has been a stylist on movie and television sets for many years working with some of the hottest designers. His pieces can be styled for casual wear to a full on evening out with prices ranging from $40-$1k depending how eccentric you wish to be. Have a look and start shopping!

Most all of the t-shirts are by one of a kind by independent U.K. designers

Any Old Iron Boy Soldier (above)

Olympic style! Vivienne Westwood Medal T-Shirt (above)

Sid Vicious from the brand Aaaarrrgghhh (above)

Accessories for men and women, hand made - all 100% U.K. coolness!

Art by Victor Spinelle

This is a GIANT mirror Clancey made, not sure if it's for sale but check out some of the detail in the hundreds of pieces adorning the frame!

Art and fashion blending on the walls!

Unconditional Sailor Boy embroidered Knit

There is an umbrella in here! Design by London Undercover Beans on Toast Umbrella...

Want something no one else has? Here you go. Visit Any Old Iron at 149 Orchard and embrace yourself in true U.K. style for your busy NY life!

http://www.anyoldiron.net/

Before we head off to the Chelsea Art Walk this Thursday (from 5-8 p.m.) let's talk a look at some of the highlights from the past week, or two. Some of my favorite pieces and galleries are below and although the events have slowed down for summer, the Chelsea Art Walk this week will be in full swing (for those of us who don't have homes in the Hampton's!)
One of my favorites that I will see again as it runs through September 8, 2012 is Bianca Casadys' "Daisy Chain" at Cheim & Read (547 W. 25th St.) Heard of the band Cocorosie? They are quite amazing and she and her musical partner / sister make up the duo of this experimental, subversive band. She also appears to be self taught (which I love) and had her first major show in 2007 at Deitch Projects. The catalog featuring her work is available at the gallery (Cheim & Read), I'll be adding it to my collection.

Touches of her work reminded me of the Courtney Love show/her work, a couple months back. I'm not critic but the scope of the work, subjects and execution (large white dragging with huge meanings, etc.) sort of drew a parallel for me. One day I'll put them side by side on the blog, you can decide. Much more art and street findings are below too, I'll stop rambling and on with the show....(that you may have missed.) See you at the art walk on Thursday the 26th!!

Mixed media above, all different sized pieces mix with this huge room installation. Look close at all of the ornamental details placed perfectly in her display.....

Other pieces of interest...

These taken from the outside the gallery (above.)

Before the next galleries, snapping photos of new street art along the way on 25th St....

Chelsea door, how I love these.

On to the next ones, "Permanent Collection" at Nancy Margolis Gallery. Artists were asked to select any single piece form the over 15,000 works in the MOMA's permanent collection and create their own version within restricted dimensions. You can see the huge range of work, many were portraits, sculptures, paintings and approaches range from parody to tribute. A must see in person!