Lifestyle

Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: Ronaldus Shamask in Philadelphia

Shamask's return to the runway at New York Fashion Week in 2012.

Shamask's return to the runway at New York Fashion Week in 2012.

Through March 2013 the Philadelphia Museum of Art presents Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection, an exhibition exploring the evolution of Shamask’s  unique multidisciplinary approach to fashion honed over his thirty-five-year career.

Sketch, 1995. Ronaldus Shamask, American (born Netherlands), born 1945. Magic Marker pens on paper, 24 x 19 inches (61 x 48.3 cm). Courtesy of Shamask LLC.  Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Sketch, 1995. Ronaldus Shamask, American (born Netherlands), born 1945. Magic Marker pens on paper. Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Shamask’s designs—marked by clean lines and a focus on cut, construction, and color—are a reflection of his background in art, theater and architecture. Hakama Evening Overall (1979; version 2012) reinterprets the formal garments traditionally worn by samurai warriors with jolts of color inspired by the paintings of Francisco de Zurbarán (Spanish, 1598–1664) and Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872–1944). When unfolded, the dramatic Four-Point Ensemble (1982) takes the form of a traditional Japanese theater banner.

Mondrian Meets Superman Long Dress, 2012. Designed by Ronaldus Shamask, American (born Netherlands), born 1945. Red, blue, white, and yellow leather, blue and white silk (or synthetic) georgette, Length: 62 inches (157.5 cm). Courtesy of Shamask LLC.  Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Mondrian Meets Superman Long Dress, 2012. Designed by Ronaldus Shamask. Red, blue, white, and yellow leather, blue and white silk (or synthetic) georgette, Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Shamask’s architectural inspiration can be seen in Spiral Jacket (1981), cut from one piece of fabric incorporating a continuously curving seam that mimics a lemon peel. Instead of making freehand sketches as many designers do, Shamask worked out his early designs as architectural renderings on graph paper, scaling them to the size of the finished piece. This method is evident in Drawing for Pleated Dress (1979)a garment constructed of precisely folded pleats anchored by top stitching, topped by his Handbag Jacket (1979) with integral pockets.

Sketch for Dance Costume, 1994. Ronaldus Shamask, American (born Netherlands), born 1945. Paper, 24 x 17 inches (61 x 43.2 cm). Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Sketch for Dance Costume, 1994. Ronaldus Shamask. Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In addition to considering how his designs interact with the body, Shamask enters into provocative dialogue with artists who share his vision and multidisciplinary approach in their respective fields. In Suspension Dress (1979; version 1991, 2012), Shamask used a cast silver necklace by Michele Oka Doner as a counterweight to a draped square of linen, which falls into a handkerchief hem in the back. Evening Dress (1998; version 2012) and Two-Piece Halter Dress (1998; version 2012) represent the influence of Jennifer Bartlett’s post-minimalist work with color and grids.

Two Piece Halter Dress, 1998, version 2012. Designed by Ronaldus Shamask, American (born Netherlands), born 1945. Pale grey silk chiffon, black cotton string netting, yellow and orange rubberized painted lines and dots, Top Length: 42 inches (106.7 cm). Skirt Length: 33 inches (83.8 cm). Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Two Piece Halter Dress, 1998, version 2012. Designed by Ronaldus Shamask. Pale grey silk chiffon, black cotton string netting, yellow and orange rubberized painted lines and dots. Courtesy of Shamask LLC. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Shamask designs have also drawn influence from music and dance. He explored the art both solo (Cello Jacket, 1981) and in conjunction with others, including collaborations with choreographers Lucinda Childs and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

View these iconic garments alongside contemporary Shamask designs through March 10, 2013 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: Art Basel Miami + Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia Art shoes.

Charlotte Olympia's hand-painted art shoes.

In search of visual inspiration? Or simply a tan? Head to sunny Miami Beach December 6-9 for Art Basel Miami, America’s premier contemporary and modern art fair. The event will be celebrating its 11th anniversary as the stateside sister to the original, founded in Basel, Switzerland, in 1970.

Over 260 international galleries—both new and established—will be in attendance to show the works of thousands of artists. New-to-the-scene names will show alongside the highly acclaimed, in special exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and public art projects.

Among the galleries and museum installations, you’ll find curated showcases like Art Nova, a section designated for artists’ freshest work from the past three years; Art Public, a performance art event at Collins Park; and Art Salon and Art Basel Conversations, featuring panel discussions and dialogues among artists, collectors, curators and other leading figures on the international art scene.

And you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to party and brush shoulders with anyone from Ai Weiwei to Kanye West. Not to mention the best people-watching this side of Paris Fashion Week.

Pop Art Dolly

Pop Art Dolly

During Art Basel, the NM Bal Harbour store is throwing its own international art party. On December 4 from 2 to 4 pm, London-based shoe designer Charlotte Olympia and a mystery artist will be hand-painting her Dolly platform pump in the shoe salon. The one-of-a-kind pieces will be sold at a private event that night, but a limited edition of about 40 pre-painted shoes will be available for pre-order.

Post Impressionism Dolly

Post Impressionism Dolly

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Lifestyle // Women's

Happy Hour: Autumn in Manhattan

Happy Hour: Autumn in Manhattan

Autumn in Manhattan: 2 0z. Apple-Spiced Hudson Baby Bourbon .5 oz. Grand Marnier .5 oz Monin O’Free Syrup 2 oz. Apple Juice 1 Cherry, soaked in Grand Marnier for one day Place the first 4 ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cap and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cherry. Cheers!

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Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: The Diana Vreeland Documentary

Diana Vreeland surrounded by red furnishings- series, 1979

Diana Vreeland surrounded by red furnishings, 1979.

Valentino: The Last Emperor… The September Issue… Bill Cunningham New York. And now, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel. The latest in a series of must-see fashion documentaries brings to life one of the style world’s most exotic, vibrant, and fabled characters. In a life roughly spanning the twentieth century, Vreeland more than merited her “Empress of Fashion” title: 26 years as fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar, editor-in-chief of Vogue through the cultural revolutions of the 1960s, and, at age 70, a post at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which she pushed into the vanguard with fashion exhibitions as imaginative and relevant as any the world had seen.

But those are just the facts. Much more interesting is the fantastical persona Vreeland invented for herself, becoming the star of her own glamorous and adventurous drama. First-time filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland (wife of Vreeland’s grandson Alexander) brings it all vividly to life, weaving photographs, interviews, animation, clips of Vreeland’s television appearances, and voice-overs into a magical 86 minutes. “To say Diana Vreeland has dealt only with fashion trivializes what she has done,” Jackie Onassis once noted. “She has commented on the times in a wise and witty manner. She has lived a life.”

dianavreeland-film.com

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Lifestyle // Men's // Women's

Fantasy Gifts of the 2012 Christmas Book

Henhouse

Heritage Hen Mini Farm

The arrival of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book each Fall is widely considered to mark the official start of the holiday shopping season; and the 86th annual edition was unveiled today in Dallas. Without further ado, here are this year’s most spectacular and unique holiday gifts. Including one with a Target twist!

Heritage Hen Mini Farm, $100,000

Inspired by Versailles’ Le Petit Trianon, this is the poshest hen house ever.  The buyer will receive an initial farm consultation and grounds survey and two additional onsite visits from Heritage Hen Farm expert, Svetlana Simon, who will select three to ten heritage-breed hens carefully selected to suit your region. Installation includes two custom raised vegetable or herb garden beds. For every Heritage Hen Mini Farm purchase, NM will donate $3,000 to The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that protects genetic diversity through the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds.

Annie the musical

Annie: The Musical

Annie: The Musical Walk-On Role, $30,000

The recipient of this gift will take the Broadway stage in a walk-on role in the revival of Annie: The Musical. After your curtain call, you’ll sit down with one of the show’s producers for a five-star meal. Includes six show tickets. Only one package available; participant must be 18 or older. The proceeds of this gift will be split equally between Pedigree Foundation, whose mission is to help dogs in need find loving homes by providing grants to shelters and dog rescues, and Pajama Program, which provides new pajamas and books to children in need.

McLaren 12C Spider

McLaren 12C Spider

2013 Neiman Marcus Edition McLaren 12C Spider, $354,000

Your Neiman Marcus Edition 2013 McLaren 12C Spider—one of just 12 made—is heralded as the most technologically advanced supercar ever. Carbon-fiber MonoCell one-piece molded chassis, Formula 1 brake steer, 616 horse-powered V8 twin turbo engine, zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, maximum speed of 204 mph (196 mph in convertible mode). Includes a McLaren luggage set and a business-class trip to England for a VIP dinner with McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis and a tour of the McLaren Technology Center. For each sale, NM will donate $3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Reserve by calling 1-888-756-0775, precisely at noon EDT on October 24, 2012.

Pinel Arcade

Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk

Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk, $90,000

The ultimate gaming toy, the custom-made Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk is all you need for an evening of high-adrenaline entertainment. Handmade in Paris and encased in calfskin, this trunk furnishes you with Formula 1 racing seats with Thrustmaster T500 RS Force Wheel, a selection of 24 PlayStation3 games, Bluetooth wireless music system, SingStar microphones, PlayStation Move controllers, PlayStation Eye Camera, fighting sticks, DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers  and more. Not a gamer? It’s ideal for karaoke too. For every purchase, NM will donate $3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s leader in providing mentoring to children.

Bulleit Woody Trailer

Bulleit Woody Tailgate Trailer

Bulleit Woody Tailgate Trailer, $150,000

Tailgating will never be the same after you roll up with the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody-Tailgate Trailer. Created by interior designer Brad Ford with sleek leather furnishings and details from Moore & Giles, rich wood finishings (handcrafted from reclaimed Bulleit Bourbon casks), elegant glassware and barware, and a Sony entertainment system including a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray disc player, and state-of-the-art sound system, plus a one-year supply of Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye. Ten percent of the proceeds from the purchase will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. 

Jetlev R200

JetLev R200

JetLev R200, $99,500

Part sci-fi, part British secret service agent, your water-propelled jetpack is about to send you soaring at speeds up to 32 mph. It runs for up to 4 hours and 80 miles on a single tank of high-octane gasoline. The package includes all the gear, plus a CFI 1 Pilot Certification Training & Safety course. For every JetLev R200 sold, NM will donate $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, an organization that helps young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Robert Wilson's Snowy Owl

Robert Wilson's Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl by Artist Robert Wilson, $70,000

In his Video Portraits series, artist Robert Wilson features animals and people who appear static, as if in a painting, but the viewer is caught off guard when the subject unexpectedly breathes, blinks, or shifts. This modern riff on the eighteenth-century tableaux vivant beautifully pushes the boundaries between reality and imagination. The buyer of this limited edition, hand numbered and signed artist’s proof will choose the color combinations for the polka dots. The purchase of a “Snowy Owl” benefits the Watermill Center, an interdisciplinary laboratory for performance art and a unique environment for young and emerging artists.

Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller

Left to right: Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Richard Rosendale

Chef’s Dinner For Ten, $250,000

Nine of your closest friends will gather at your home, where four world-class chefs—Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse, and Richard Rosendale—will prepare a feast. (Don’t worry, a professional event planner will arrange and oversee everything.) Bertha Gonzalez, the world’s first female maestra tequilera, will kick off the evening with a Casa Dragones tequila tasting and provide the party favors: personalized, engraved crystal bottles of Casa Dragones. Fine wines will accompany all courses after the cocktail hour. This epic culinary event is limited to just one NM customer. All proceeds will benefit the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring culinary excellence in young professionals.

Van Cleef Arpels Watch

Van Cleef & Arpels "Poetic Wish" Watch Set

Van Cleef & Arpels ”Poetic Wish” Watches and Trip, starting at $1,090,000.*

The “His & Hers” fantasy gift tradition continues this year with the Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetic Wish” watches and trip. The watches animate a Parisian romance between a tiny man and woman. Their cases are 18-karat white gold and set with diamonds. The new owners of the watches will also receive a trip to Paris and Geneva to tour the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, atelier, and watchmaking workshops. Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 for each His & Hers 2012 gift sold to The Norman Mailer Center, which supports writers.

Target Mystery Package

Target Mystery Package

Neiman Marcus and Target CFDA Mystery Package Deal, $3,500

As you surely know by now, Neiman Marcus and Target are collaborating on a holiday collection featuring items by 24 designers from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. You can avoid the crowds and the jockeying on December 1 by ordering the Mystery Package now. It includes the entire collection, which has items for men, women, children, pets and the home. The package will arrive after December 1, with free shipping. Call 1-877-9NM-GIFT to order. Only 5 packages are available and the offer expires midnight CST on October 15, 2012. NM and Target made a $1 million donation to the CFDA, supporting the development of American fashion designers.

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Lifestyle // Men's // Women's

NM @ Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

The third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic returned to Will Rogers Polo Club in Pacific Palisades on Saturday. The event—co-hosted by renowned Argentinian polo player and face of Ralph Lauren‘s Polo fragrances Nacho Figueras, alongside designer/stylist Rachel Zoe and president of Veuve Clicquot U.S., Vanessa Kay—drew a crowd including celebrities and polo enthusiasts from around the world.  The event was inspired by the famous 1922 match in Delhi, India where Patiala faced Jodhpur. Guests were welcomed to the match with coupes of vintage rosé, which continued to flow throughout the day. Later that afternoon, actress Ali Larter kicked the match off by throwing out the first toss. It ended with Nacho Figuera’s team Black Watch defeating team Nespresso with a score of 10 to 9.

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Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: Inez & Vinoodh, Pretty Much Everything

Inez and Vinoodh, Freja and Raquel with Tourists by Duane Hanson - W Magazine, 2009. Courtesy the artists and Gagosian Gallery, New York.

Danish fashion photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin opened their first institutional exhibition, in the United States, at the Dallas Contemporary. The duo’s meticulous and bold imagery has been inspiring the field of fashion photography for over two decades. In celebrating more than 25 years in the industry, the couple created an exhibition comprised of more than 300 works called, Pretty Much Everything.

Inez & Vinoodh

Inez and Vinoodh, Lara as Chicholina - Vogue Italia, 2007. Courtesy the artists and Gagosian Gallery, New York.

“I have been following the work of Inez and Vinoodh since the late 1990s. At first glance, their images appear to be well-packaged cultural reflections. But their rhetoric has an underhanded virtuosity, capable of producing unexpected effects with a bit of black humor tossed in discreetly in the final ensemble,” says Dallas Contemporary director Peter Doroshenko.

Inez & Vinoodh are regular contributors to Vogue Paris, Purple Magazine, W Magazine and V Magazine among many others and have created iconic advertising campaigns for leading fashion and fragrance brands including: Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Gucci, Chloe, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chanel and Roberto Cavalli.

Inez & Vinoodh: Pretty Much Everything runs through December 23, 2012.

dallascontemporary.org

 

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Lifestyle // Women's

Ten Things Kelly Wearstler Loves in London

Kelly Wearstler

Designer Kelly Wearstler going to a meeting in London.

London’s design scene continues to heat up. Young talented fashion designers Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem Moralioglu, and Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos of Peter Pilotto debuted their Spring 2013 collections last week during London Fashion Week.  Innovative fabrics, prints and tons of color collide, creating an individual British identity. Designers continue to be inspired by the London art scene as well as technology.  According to Vogue.com, “A slew of New York galleries are opening London-based outposts.” The exhibitions “Peter Doig,” Rothko/Sugimoto,” and “Luc Tuymans, Allo!” all open in October.

After catching up with designer Kelly Wearstler in New York, we found out she was heading to this amazing city in search of inspiration and fabrics for her next collection, not to mention prepping for the debut of her fourth book, Rhapsody (available October 23). We found out what Wearstler is loving in London right now.

Kelly Wearstler

Pool & Pouf by Robert Stadler. Photo courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery

“Beautiful, contemporary artisan furniture.”

3 Albermale Street, W1S4HE, London

carpentersworkshop.com

Kelly Wearstler

The Bar at Claridge's

The Bar at Claridge’s

“Very art deco and glamorous, one of my favorite places in London to have a drink.”

49 Brook St., London

claridges.co.uk

Kelly Wearstler

Rellik

Rellick

“Fantastic high-end designer vintage.”

8 Golborne Rd., London

rellicklondon.co.uk

Kelly Wearstler

Tamarind Restaurant

Tamarind

“The best Indian food in London.”

20 Queen St., Mayfair, London

tamarindrestaurant.com

Kelly Wearstler

Thomas Goode

Thomas Goode

“Beyond insane tabletop and porcelain pieces.”

17-22 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London

thomasgoode.com

Kelly Wearstler

Alfie's Antique Market

Alfies Antique Market

“There are over 75 dealers who show their antiques here, so I’m always able to find great inspiration. I especially love Francesca Martire for Italian pieces.”

13-25 Church St., London

alfiesaniques.com

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Lifestyle

Seeing Things: Nancy Gonzalez TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art at Sotheby’s

Nancy Gonzalez CEO Santiago Barberi Gonzalez commissioned ten world-class contemporary artists to create works out of the brand’s crocodile Leaf Tote, in partnership with TWO x TWO, the noted Dallas based organization behind the annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art, an annual contemporary art auction held in the Richard Meier-designed Rachofsky House in Dallas, benefiting two organizations—amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Artists include Raqib Shaw, Jenny Holzer, Lawrence Weiner, Will Cotton, Josephine Meckseper, Richard Phillips, Kaws, Jim Hodges, Dr. Lakra and Mickalene Thomas. Sotheby’s held a preview during New York Fashion Week, attracting an exciting mix of art-world influencers and fashion insiders.

All handbag photos above are by Naoya Fujishiro and Akihiro Sakai.

Neiman Marcus is the presenting sponsor of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art, and helped merge the forces of Santiago and Nancy Gonzalez with art philanthropists Howard and Cindy Rachofsky. We captured this moment between Santiago and Cindy in New York, as they reflected on their project. 

NM: How did this all start?

CR: Santiago was in Dallas on business and Jim Gold [NM president of stores] called and asked, could I bring a vendor?

SG: A vendor?! That’s so tacky! [Laughing.]

CR: “He’s Nancy’s son and he’s a contemporary art collector, and I’d love for him to meet you and see your house and your collection.” Well, it was just an immediate romance and bromance. Santiago offered bags, and I said, let’s ask artists. Well that’s all he had to hear. He and our chairman Amy Phelan called every artist they have a relationship with and those artists said yes within days.

SG: Then we had to turn down people! Because everyone said yes.

NM: How did you identify the artists you wanted?

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Lifestyle // Beauty

How It’s Made: La Mer Miracle Broth

Vancouver Island

Photo by Kris Krug

Sea Kelp

Sea Kelp, photo by Jer Crowle

The beauty-savvy know that when the La Mer team calls with “big news,” you should come right away. So we headed to Vancouver, BC to get the first look at their newest launch, The Moisturizing Soft Cream, and see firsthand where they harvest the sea kelp used in the Miracle Broth, the signature formula used in all Crème de la Mer products.

La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream

La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream

Moisturizing Soft Cream or Creme Soyeuse is La Mer’s fifth formulation of its legendary Crème de la Mer. Like the original, Soft Cream contains the powerful Miracle Broth and Lime Tea Extracts that leave skin feeling healthier, firmer, smoother, and more hydrated. The difference is in its texture.

“The goal was to make something that felt really rich on the skin, and yet was weightless,” explains VP of Research and Development Andy Bevacqua. The brains behind La Mer’s beauty, Bevacqua utilized advanced absorption technologies to ensure the new cream is not only light and luxurious, but effectively delivers the Miracle Broth’s nutrients and antioxidants. How does it work? Skin-mimicking lipids are layered between hydrating emollients to create multilayered spheres that can be easily absorbed by your skin. (Simple, right?)

La Mer

Researcher Andy Bevacqua

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