Jazz It Up for Summer

Despite the buzz about Baz Luhrmann's upcoming remake of the Great Gatsby, in my heart and mind, Robert Redford will forever be Jay Gatsby, and Mia Farrow, Daisy. What I am excited about is the abundance of Gatsby inspired fashion that is sure to follow the release of the film.

The movie won't be released until Winter, but Summer is the ideal time to get inspired by the Roaring 20's.  Particularly if you're attending the 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island this weekend. Or - if you prefer the slightly more formal style of the late 19-teens and Downton Abbey, here is your chance to channel Lady Mary and all of her glamour.  

Eagle Dress (550.00) - All Saints may seem like an unlikely place to pick up a Jazz Age dress, but there are a surprising number of gorgeous deco pieces here

 Kyle Beaded Tie Back Dress (550.00)

French Connection Flapper Dress (185.58)

Vintage 1970's Flapper Dress (150.00)

As for accessories, I'll be sporting a feathery headpiece from the Village Scandal.  I purchased it originally for the Belmont last weekend but it fits right in with the era of this weekend.  If you're in the mood for something with a bit more sparkle, I love the exuberance of this Peacock hair clip.

Finally, the perfect finishing touch is an Edie Parker clutch as featured on Professionelle a while back.  

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

The Alexander McQueen exhibit, Savage Beauty, at the Met proves that fashion really can be art.  Sarah, Erika and I went this afternoon and it blew us away.  Approximately 100 articles of clothing are on display, which were carefully curated by Andrew Bolton to reflect common themes in McQueen's work.  Masks designed by Guido Palau, McQueen's runway hairstylist, accompanied every mannequin and lent to the eerie and surreal feel of the exhibit.  

Logistically, we lucked out due to Sarah's Met membership which allowed us to cut the incredibly long lines.  But even if you have a membership, I would recommend going on a weeknight or in the morning to avoid the crowds inside the exhibit.  The captions next to the pieces are also worth reading as McQueen used a number of odd materials in his work.  For example, pieces from his MA graduation collection were lined in his own hair, one dress was covered in razor clam shells and another featured surgical slides.  Although nearly all of the pieces were too avant-garde for everyday wear, there was so much style inspiration to be found. 

Professionelles, if you live in New York, the exhibit is a true must-see exhibit.  If you don't live in New York, check out this great video which shows nearly every section of the exhibit and is narrated by Andrew Bolton.



There's also this fantastic interview of Andrew Bolton on Morning T which shows runway footage of many of the pieces on display.  The exhibit is on display until July 31, 2011.