Posted by development shop on May 11, 2011 0 Comments
While I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Takashi Murakami’s art, I completely appreciate that he understands the relationship between art and commercialism as the formula for success for today’s artists. Who doesn’t want the cool t-shirt, poster or keychain that validates our cultural intelligence?
Murakami completely breaks open the myth of artist as “the solitary genius” by employing a small army of artists to assist him in his creative process. This honest confession to one’s artistic production would have many a turnin’ in their graves—starting with Michelangelo. Murakami’s company, Kaikai Kiki, similar to Warhol’s Factory, addresses our need for consumption. So, it’s no surprise that his retrospective at the MOCA included a Louis Vuitton boutique where fashionistas could buy LV handbags printed with his popular multicolor spin on the Louis Vuitton logo. Paul Schimmel, chief curator of MOCA, noted that “it was difficult for a museum to relinquish this sacred ground, but it was absolutely the right thing to do in this instance.” So, we flock to the museum shows to contemplate the dynamics of Murakami’s critique on contemporary culture or because we want to make sure we get that gorgeous handbag? Either way, Murakami’s got us.
For more on Murakami, see Sarah Thornton, Seven Days in the Art World, “The Studio Visit”, (2008).
Read More
Posted by development shop on May 11, 2011 0 Comments
Katie recently handed me an article from The Wall Street Journal on Michael Govan’s (Director, LACMA) bold move to acquire a stash of European clothing (including Queen Victoria’s nightgown and a turban designed by Paul Poiret!) for the museum’s permanent collection. Any hesitancy to expand the collection in this way would come from the idea that fashion is not as important or vital to history in the ways painting, sculpture and architecture are. However, The Met saw major success with its “Superheroes” (2008) and “Chanel” (2005) exhibits. I’m personally really excited that the people are recognizing fashion as a serious document of history. As quoted by The WSJ, Govan stated that “…not only are the things visually engaging, but you see a map: In all the elements of fashion are all the elements of how ideas are conveyed through society. Instead of being frivolous, it turns out to be a core artifact.”
Read More
Posted by Shopify on May 09, 2011 0 Comments
2009 inspired us to design our take on the peace symbol - which we felt was appropriate for this time of renewed optimism, hope, and energy in the world. We will feature the iconic peace symbol against a background of benday dots used by Pop artists during the 1960s. Our unique “Post~ peace” will be featured on small accessories made in a new buttery-yellow Italian leather. This fun, lighthearted line provides a great counterpoint to our debut collection, which in many ways is more stately and formal. It’s interesting to realize that our choice to introduce the Peace line at this time mirrors what was happening artistically during the 1960s — as Pop was very much a critique of the rationality of Modernist style. This stark opposition in artistic approaches that became characteristic of the 60s seems to be brewing here as well.
That said, however, we are still very much excited about “Bramante”! We’ll be filling out our line with small accessories made from a combination of our metallic and exotic leathers. Think supple bronze metallic leather with python detailing. Absolutely gorgeous!
Bright, fun, citrus colors will be on our radar this season. Python is even bigger and better in bright blues, oranges, yellows, and shimmery metallics!!
Read More
