BeChicMag.com

Contributing Writer Jennifer Eberhart reports on the Alexander McQueen Exhibit taking place at The Met

Despite his tragic death last year, his name continues to send tingles down the spines of fashion lovers across the globe. His designs have made headlines – from Lady Gaga tripping on her Armadillo shoes, to the magnificent gown worn by the newly-crowned Princess Kate on her wedding day. From a hat full of butterflies to a gilt-encrusted coat of feathers, the designs that were created from the studio McQueen are unique, enchanting and romantic.

The Exhibit

The subject of a new exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, McQueen’s designs span a 19-year-career that proves from the beginning just how talented the late creative genius was. With the help of current design leader Sarah Burton, curator Andrew Bolton transformed the Met’s gallery space into a breathtaking reproduction of McQueen’s shows. Taking the visitor inside the mind of the spontaneous designer, the show, entitled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, focuses on the Romantic ideals that he embodied. Be it a dark forest, a music box, an enchanted castle, or a room full of mirrors, each space in the exhibition represents the beauty of these intricate ensembles.

Captain of His Own Soul

Never one for following the rules, McQueen’s entire career is highlighted, from his “origami frockcoat” in Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims (1992) to the ravaged dresses in Highland Rape (1995), to the nature-inspired short dresses in his last collection, Plato’s Atlantis (2010). Over 100 ensembles are displayed: backless dresses, super-low pants, uneven jackets, feathered coats, wired hats. Despite the eccentric tastes of the designer, each piece is a testament to the beauty and power of the female body.

Keeping Up With the Times

Bolton uses technology throughout the exhibition as well: a dynamic audio guide adds personal notes to the show, even highlighting some of the model’s experiences; videos of McQueen’s famously extravagant fashion shows are interspersed throughout the show and Vogue has created an iPad application specifically for the exhibit. A catalog also accompanies the exhibit, with never-before-seen photos of McQueen’s intricate designs.

Why We Love McQueen

It was McQueen’s hope that through his clothing he would be able to empower women, to inspire them, instill confidence. Savage Beauty proves exactly that, and what I wouldn’t give to land myself in one of those dark yet beautiful dresses and shoes!

Opening at The Met

The Met celebrated the opening of Savage Beauty this Monday, May 2, with their annual Costume Institute Gala, to which Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Campbell, and Gisele Bundchen donned their favorite McQueen outfits. The event, and the exhibition, is a toast to one of the greatest designers of all time.

Take a step into the savage beauty of Alexander McQueen and his designs, on view May 4 through July 31. -Jennifer

The Met: Not only does it display the wonders from before our times to the present, it takes this roll in honoring the artistic blueprints of fashion. For the 2011 exhibition it has decided to take on royalty. The Queen. The one and only Alexander McQueen.

Celebrating McQueen’s amazing contributions to fashion, The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is featuring about 100 examples from his fruitful 19 year career.

“Alexander McQueen’s iconic designs constitute the work of an artist whose medium of expression was fashion,” said Thomas P. Campbell, director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “This landmark exhibition continues the Museum’s tradition of celebrating designers who changed the course of history and culture by creating new possibilities.”

Alexander McQueen: The Savage Beauty will showcase works from the beginning of his career up to his very last runway show which took place after his tragic death. The Savage Beauty will display McQueen’s signature designs including the bumster trousers, the kimono jacket and many more fashions expressing exaggerated silhouettes of the late 1800’s and the 1950’s.

Francois- Henry Pinault and Salma Hayek will be the honorary chairs for the exhibition opening at the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit. The co-chairs will be Colin Fifth, Stella McCartney and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour.

The Alexander McQueen exhibition will run from May 4- July, 31 2011 at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall (The Met). His impact on fashion will remain prolific as trends, and fads go in and out of style. Even museums are appreciating his talent as a work of art. - Camlyn V.

By Jennifer Eberhart

Beading, flowing gowns, navy bathing suits, lace, sequins, cotton suits, high heels. Sound a bit like your wardrobe? You may (or might not) be surprised to know that all of today’s fashions have been inspired by styles of earlier generations.

In an exquisitely designed new exhibit, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting a show entitled “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity”. The show delves into styles from the 1890s to 1940, focusing on the strength and passions of six different women and her influences in gaining the independence that we females are able to enjoy today.

The heiress, the Gibson Girl, the bohemian, the patriot / suffragist, the flapper and the screen siren are all highlighted throughout the 7-room gallery.

With 80 mannequins decked out in House of Worth, Chanel, Valentina and Callot Soeurs, this exhibit is a fashion-lover’s dream.

“American Woman” also boasts hand-painted backdrops, period music, hand-crafted headpieces, archival footage and film clips that take the viewer back in time. As an added bonus, if you pick up the audio guide at the gallery entrance, you’ll hear New York’s very own fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker introducing you to each accomplished woman in the gallery.

The exhibit is made possible through an historic collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum, which is hosting its own display of covetable clothing in “American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection”, on display until August 1.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “American Woman” is this summer’s must-see show for any art and fashion lover. The exhibit continues through August 15.

Las Comadres at East Harlem Cafe

Quilt making has been a tradition in many families throughout the world. Who doesn’t like telling a story through a fun form of art?

Last week, a group of women from the national organization Las Comadres shared their own stories through a collaboration with Downy as they sought to distribute handmade quilts to hospitalized children in New York.

Downy’s “Touch of Comfort” pledged to deliver 10,000 quilts! To find out how you can contribute, visit Downy.com

BeChicMag.com caught up with Nikki Yeager, a young local artist who recently moved back to New York City from living abroad. Peruse her Web site and you’ll see that Nikki’s themes include everything from NYC mixed media pieces, to portraits and facial close ups. If you really want to do justice to her amazing talent, we recommend you get up close and personal by visiting her two-week display at� Bar Nine (more details below). We were so struck by her talent and her energy that we couldn�t resist asking her a couple of questions. Nikki inspired me to continue working on my dreams and to invest in an affordable and beautiful piece of art for my living room. - Carolina Baker

BeChicMag: When did you start painting?
Nikki: I started drawing when I was really young. My mom encouraged my drawing big time. I developed my style when I attended a commercial art program as a junior in high school. My mom suggested that I attend this program. Until a couple of years ago, I was odd about sharing my art. I would paint and paint and paint but refuse to let anyone see it (including my parents). By hiding my art, I never really talked about it with my family. I wouldn’t let anyone bring it up.

What inspires you to paint?
Myself. My mind works out the world around me through art. It’s my way of keeping sane and organizing my thoughts and my perceptions.

How did you end up in Cambodia and the Bahamas? Did your experiences in Cambodia and the Bahamas affect your painting?
Travel has been a spontaneous desire. I applied to and accepted the job in Cambodia because I knew it would get me closer to my chosen career. I also knew it would be an adventure. I didn’t even know what continent Cambodia was on until I booked my flight. Arriving to the Bahamas was also another fluke. I found a job opening and two weeks later I was on a little seven seater plane to Freeport. Both countries affected my painting because they affected my life. My next series will be largely focused on both countries and my experiences in each. Anything that ends up in my thoughts ends up on my canvas.

What gave you the courage to drop out of college?
Thank you for calling it courageous, most people call it na�ve. I got into my dream college but once I started classes I realized I had taken a step further away from my goals rather than a step closer to them. I was doing a lot of unrelated work and I realized I could funnel that energy and that time into achieving my own dreams. For me, that seemed a more practical use of my time. In my opinion, it’s not the degree that makes a person successful – it’s the activity.

Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dali or Rene Magritte.

What museum in NYC do you most recommend and draw the most inspiration from?
I used to live by the Met. If I needed a little pick-me-up, I’d pay a small amount of the recommended donation and take a 10 minute stroll through the modern art section. I loved being able to pop in and visit Dali’s whenever I needed some lovin’.

BeChicMag.com readers are invited to get a glimpse of Nikki’s pieces at Bar Nine the week of November 18th. Opening night is on Nov. 21st after 8:30 p.m. Bar Nine, 807 Ninth Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets.