On Thursday night I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of American Beauty at The Museum at FIT. Curated by Patricia Mears, the exhibit is the intersection of dressmaking and American notions of beauty. The exhibition is not comprehensive and you can walk through the entire thing in less than half an hour. But, fashion is recycled over and over again and these looks gave me some great inspiration to reinvent my own wardrobe.
Bold Graphics and Patterns
Frankly I am sick of seeing plaid everywhere, but this little romper caught my eye. Retro motifs are a creative way to experiment with patterns and textures, like the Pauline Trigère cloqué dress and coat in the far right of the second picture. Bold graphics were also on display, like the Rei Kawakubo dress and Stephen Sprouse blazer in the last picture. To make the trend wearable, try an animal print, bold stripe, or knit mesh.
Tailored Dress-Coats
My former roommate had a fabulous peacoat-dress from Burberry that I was never able to find (nevermind that I couldn’t afford it either) but I got my own perfect version at Miu Miu last year at the private sale. For something similar check out Silence and Noise’s Asymmetric Placket Coat ($138), Thread Social’s Silk Blend Coat Dress ($635) Topshop’s Lime Check Belted Coat ($190), and Ardistia’s Cape Coat ($495). Burberry obviously has the definitive spring version.
Rodarte
My friend commented that the first look reminded him of something I would wear, which left me pleasantly speechless but bemoaning my lack of appropriately sexy otk boots. The floral appliques are a big trend right now, not one I am getting on board with at the moment, but worth mentioning anyway. Here are some cute ones from Marchesa and J. Crew. There aren’t that many good, inexpensive options because cheaply-done flowers look cheap.
Hollywood Glamour
How refreshing is it to see Hollywood representing something other than crotch-flashing starlets and rehab? American Beauties fit for the best. I’m loving all the drapery and fishnet in the second picture.
Modern Marvels
What a pity I can’t remember/find the geniuses who designed these. So simple and sophisticated. The nude shift dress with the rusched neck needs to get in my closet now.
American Beauty, at The Museum at FIT, November 6, 2009 – April 10, 2010
Admission is free and open to the public Tuesdays – Fridays noon to 8 pm and Saturdays from 10-5
