Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations And "A Different View!"

The event has arrived, Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations now on view at the Met.  You've seen the photos of the exhibit or of the book a hundred times already on various fashion blogs, but here is  something different:  MY "extreme fashion window" photos taken at Bergdorf's.  

It's a new, unique look at the event from "my" perspective.  I tend to like the close up's and of course the grit and glamour of the city refelcting, no doubt this will be in my copyrighted book out later in the year!

 

 International design consultant Pentagram brings her name back into a book-compilation that goes further into details and historical references, in a graphical dialogue with Mrs.Miuccia Prada (same formula as the Met’smultimedia parade). Now we, modern consumer have the chance to visualize her forgotten name, or unknown,  while being associated with contemporary design, think Prada! In my opinion, it’s a relevant document to teach active markets Schiaparelli’s history and vision, desiring more of a wearable impression in the house than a static and dusty one.  Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973).

All images strictly copyrighted, 2012, Leanna Valente.

A nice little photo I thought, located on the side of the road....

Artistic Chanel & Fendi Windows - Nikon or Instagram?

CHANEL Windows On 57th & Fifth Ave.  

Always artistic and in style; Chanel windows are back.  Some black and white, some color, some Instagram...all part of my "Extreme Fashion Windows" series, copyright and ongoing since 2009.  Chanel never disappoints with elegance, may not be as elaborate as Bergdorf's for example but always gorgeous to view.  Oh, and the glare in the background is supposed to be there. 

That's just my style to show the city as well.

 

 Instagram vs. Nikon?

  

Again, Instagram vs. Nikon shot?

Fendi windows on Fifth Avenue....

 

This little critter is in the window, he's supposed to 

be there too!  

ANDY WARHOL Featured At Uniqlo! Plus, GROUNDBREAKING. The Factory: A Fundraiser for FIGMENT!

It's all about Andy these days, is it ever not, really?  First, up: UNIQLO.  Here are just a few looks from the Andy Warhol Foundation at Uniqlo Fifth Avenue, this before I got told to NOT take photos, (yeah right.)  The Foundation has release a large bunch of images from his ulta-fab, pop art collection such as the soup cans, shoes, butterflies and a bunch of different graphics. So far I bought two but for only $19 a piece I will be buying more, especially since Uniqlo has a very nice quality for the price.  

My favorites bought thus far are entitled " Pop Art Is For Everyone" with yes, the banana and some silkscreens in the background, and an Andy with the skull, all black and white.  Again, I will be going back this week for a kelly green on bright blue nicely cut, "soup can" T next. You can find women's AND MEN'S t's in a huge variety of designs and styles.  The best part is that they were smart enough to do women's cuts so we don't look sloppy.  Nice.  Again, a perfect mix of art and fashion!

AND, if you love/loved, the Warhol and the 60's Factory scene, (or perhaps liek I you were to young to be there?), check out this event http://newyork.figmentproject.org/get-involved/groundbreaking/.  It's a fundraiser for Figment Project, on April 4th in Soho, from 6-10 p.m., entitled GROUNDBREAKING.  ALL Warhol tribute style complete with silent auction, food, DJ's, the works.  Will you be there?

Get your Warhol art / fashion mix at Uniqlo for only $19 a T, or at the FACTORY style fundraiser - or both!

Above: Andy & Basquiat, how I love the shots of them together.  Below: MY photograph of them from the MePa District as done by Mr. Brainwash in early 2010.  MBW has mad love and respect for Warhol and this wheatpaste was life size to honor their accomplishments.

 More photos from Uniqlo will be on the way soon, I'm sure another "Andy art/fashion" post won't hurt anyone!

The Gallery, Or Should I Say Museum Called Anthropologie!

View from above at the cash wrap, looking down, yes - that 's down, huge!         Painted vases!

 

This piece is around $6k, but you'd need 3 NYC apts walls to hold it! My new favorite thing; hanging artistic plates!

 Welcome to one of my favorite happy places on the planet; Anthropologie. New stores are popping up all over due to their incredible growth and sales, the latest on the Upper East Side in NYC located on Third / 72nd.  When I walked in I thought I was in a museum, or a the least a really large gallery. Once you go, you'll know. Most Anthro stores around the county are pretty artist and unique, but the New York ones are just insane, thus, I give you Third Ave.

I'm only posting a few photos now, many more to come but the huge, beautiful layout with incredible art everywhere is the perfect experience if you love art and fashion. The clothes and hand bags are art enough, but on the walls see many fine works by local and worldwide artists.  The prices are much more - well, a-lot more than say, Chelsea Art Passage at Barney's but still captivating to look at and get your gallery experience while shopping.  

I plan to try to get closer to these works to get the artists names, needed a ladder or something, maybe next time! Many more photos coming and if you are a regular reader you will see the Anthro fashion and art mix time and time again from different stores.

The smaller market store may not be as elaborate but none the less a sight to see, and purchase if you have the moola!  visit: www.anthropologie.com.

Tomorrow we visit Andy Warhol at Uniqlo!!!

Contemporary Art Now at Barney's New York - I Give You The Chelsea Art Passage, 9th Floor!

 As if browsing the racks at Barney's New York were not enough, now you can view and buy affordable art, yes I said "affordable," thanks to Exhibition A.  On the 9th floor at the Madison Avenue flagship you can  walk to the right - into Fred's Dining or to the left and you'll hit the Chelsea Art Passage, which is one of my new favorite things.    
Upon entering you will see a curated gallery area where about a dozen prints hang, framed with purchasing info on the side.  Mixing art and fashion has never been so easy and so very appealing for shoppers and art lovers.  The prices are very, very affordable ($150-$300 approx for FRAMED!) and if you like contemporary art and want something new, look no further. 

Look at these amazing prices!

(I want #5 above and #9 above that.)

See a few of my favorite prints which include artists Spencer Sweeny, Rene Ricard, Max Snow and Lucien Smith, along with signed books from previous, gallery events.  (Further to the right, many amazing art and fashion books, new to classics!)  And, again just look at those perfect prices, new collectors rejoice!  The works are hanging now until April 16th, and I pray after that they do a new rotation. 


About: Exhibition A (http://exhibitiona.com/), who brings us this new endeavour is a members only website (simply just sign up), that offers exclusive editions of works by prominent contemporary artists.  Founded by Bill Powers, Cynthia Rowley and Laura Martin, the gallery collaborates with some of the biggest names in art such as David LaChapelle and Richard Prince. (Speaking of which I hope Work of Art on Bravo returns soon.)


This is a perfect combination of contemporary, attainable art that may in fact be easier to acquire than the Louboutin's on the lower floors. Happy art shopping! Happy everything shopping!