All Is Full of Love at the MOMA...

...and it's all because of Bjork! =) I finally had the chance to see the exhibit, (I became a member to skip the lines...and in case I wanted to see the exhibit again), and I was blown away! I've heard mixed reviews, but I think going into the exhibit, you need to know who Bjork is, or at least know of her eccentricity.   Although I'm not fanatic, I mostly love Bjork for her originality and keeping true to herself, which is one of the toughest aspect of being a commercial artist. But even when it's over the top, I can still appreciate what she's putting out there....because no one else would have the balls to, or to execute it in a eloquent fashion in which she does =)

The exhibit is totally interactive, so bring your ears and eyes. My favorite part being, Black Swan, where you're ushered into a soundproof, cavernous room with two large flat screens and surrounded by 49 speakers. As the video begins, the dual screens are in sync, but then each taking their own route. This is where you're encouraged to walk around the room, visiting the speakers on the walls, becoming introduced to each musical composition of the video. I couldn't decide which I liked better...the strings or the oddly, weird background percussion....and I still can't decide!

Next were escorted to a large viewing room with plush, red multi-leveled boxed sofas showcasing all of Bjork's music videos (some of which I never seen!)... I could have spent hours in there...in fact, the way some people were laying down, I wouldn't be surprised if that's how they spent Saturday:) 

For the 3rd floor exhibit, I recommend getting tickets when you arrive. Running every 15, this is the journey of the life of a girl-a girl named Bjork. Headphones...check....and cue the music! Room by room-it's starts with her beginnings in Iceland with each room themed, reflecting her albums. The music and narration hold hand-in-hand as you observe her writing, evolving into lyrics, and costuming she wore for performances.

The journey is astounding, and while dancing to the few music breaks within the narration, I realize what it must feel to attend a silent rave as I'm dancing in my seat. I wonder which part my neighbor is listening to..I guess it's a secret...which I'm sure is what Bjork wanted...an intimate exhibit of her lifetime's work-with the personalization of the viewer.... Everyone has their own interpretation and take-aways from the exhibit, reflecting their own journey...which I'm sure reflects why Bjork has reached such an impactful fanbase in her career. <3

70's Flashback

OMG with all this 70's inspiration for Spring '16, it makes me want to pull out my Abba Gold and Pure Disco CD's I so beloved in high school! =) Although more boho than disco, I'm ready for a fresh new look...I'm just wishing I saved those flares :/ Here's some ideas I'm working through with laces, crochets, and fringe. What looks are you anticipating?

Working through ideas....

Ok- where's my graphic design friends at?! I'm in the midst of designing my business cards. Here's my progress so far, with front embossing and gold foil printing on the front and back. Any thoughts? =)

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

With needed inspiration for Spring, and a little personal inspiration needed from this never-ending Winter, I decided to check out the new exhibits at the  FIT Fashion Museum. Since the 70's were making a full swing around for Spring, there's no one else besides Halston and Yves Saint Laurent to put you in the mood. Also showing was an exhibit of Lauren Bacall and "Faking it," an exhibit displaying counterfeits against the originals.  

Lauren Bacall Exhibit:

"Faking It" Exhibit

A Little Inspiration from Catherine Malandrino

About a month and 1/2 prior, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear Catherine Malandrino speak at work. Being a fanatic of extracurricular activities of lectures and extended learning, I've attended a handful of similar events, some more less thrilling than others. But nonetheless, I was thrilled to meet Malandrino in person. Within minutes, I was captivated. Her poise, wit, and humor held the room for 90 minutes...and we all walked out creatively refreshed and energize.

She starts off with, Clothing is magic...it makes you feel a certain way.

With designing, you never start with the product, it always starts with the EMOTION. Bring the story linked to the clothes.

Malandrino then elaborated and stressed the originality of the product. Where is the emotion behind it? She has 4 GOLDEN RULES OF DESIGN:

1. Don't forget to DREAM

2. FACE YOUR FEARS-tackle them-and don't let them stand in your way

3. Service yourself with LOVE. Be able to FORGIVE & surround yourself with POSITIVE &STRONG PEOPLE. Give the best version of yourself...all the time...this will aid in CREATIVITY

IF YOU CANNOT GIVE WITHIN, YOU CANNOT CREATE

4. Never forget the POWER OF SEDUCTION

Being French, Malandrino suggests that Seduction is far more prevalent her native land, where the POWER OF PRESENTATION is a lost art in the States...that everyone is too efficient (hey NY'ers, does that ring a bell)

Malandrino grew up in the countryside of France and began her career of designing with sketching at the age of 10. Even at this early age, she recognized the POWER OF CLOTHES & DRESSING AS A FORM OF EXPRESSION. And this still resonates in her life today-needing to be seduced by her own design to be able to put it into the world. In her words, "Give the customer something to dream about. This is the essence of human nature."

Beginning in knitwear, and moving into couture, she tosses the ideas around of disposable vs. statement pieces and how, "Clothing is a great tool to build yourself. It must have both the balance of content & great fit." 

"As a designer, you must be nourished by the whole world and design for everyone."

Her checklist for good designers:

1. Designers must know their level of CURIOSITY (books, music, travel, where they get their ideas)

2. They must cultivate their own unique qualities.

3. Always reinvent

One of the fantastic memories Malandrino shared was the time she was first introduced to Diane von Furstenberg. At the time, DVF was staying on the top floor of the Carlyle Hotel. Catherine walks in, and Diane is lounging on the chaise, tells Catherine to undress, and put on the infamous wrap dress. 

DVF, "How do you feel?"

Malandrino, "I feel like a woman!"

End Scene....and the rest is fashion history.

Malandrino wraps up the lecture stating that it was a bumpy ride to success, but despite the difficulties, always keep positive, don't dwell, and don't waste your time thinking of the hard times....instead, FOCUS ON IMPROVING YOUR ASSETS. 

Putting her words to paper, makes me feels just as inspired as the day I heard her speak. Malandrino's words, just as her designs, are timeless in nature.

The Cultural Center...Chicago Pt.4

Another place to venture in Chicago is the Cultural Center. With free exhibits built on a breath-taking structure, all your palettes will be sured to be satisfied. We wandered into a Graphic Design Exhibit with the below images as my fav...

Don't Eat the Bean!!!...Chicago Pt.3

Actually, NOT a bean, this is called the CLOUD GATE-by British artist Anish Kapoor.

It's size and beauty says it all, with its interaction bending and warping the space and light surrounding you. I could spend hours encircling this piece, in which 80 percent of its surface reflects the sky.  When walking through, you become a Where's Waldo in which location can fold within the reflection.

The Pavilion,  designed by Frank Gehry, will equally leave you breathless. I'm not one for modern design, but futurism always makes me look twice and give appreciation to space and form.

Amongst other food related findings in Chicago, (these actually being edible), are all the amazing places there are to eat in this wonderful city=) First up, AVEC, which-yes-I would fly back to Chicago just to eat here.....and yes-the 1.5 hour wait was well worth it! Very clean and minimal wood decor, the scene was younger, hip, and trendy. Here's what we ate...

chorizo-stuffed medjool dates with bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce

chicken liver crostini with fall fruit mostarda, parsley, mint and red onion

butcher’s steak with squash romesco, raddichio,saba and pepitas

slow roasted pork shoulder with vadouvan curried lentils, roasted brussels sprouts, apricots and apples

wood oven paella with confit chicken,snail boudin, clams and tangerine aioli

parmesan pound cake with roasted apples and candied pine nuts

Next up, was North Pond for brunch, located in Lincoln Park. A more classier side to Chicago, with highly prepped plates of beautiful presentation. I had the following...

Duck, Arugula: Cinnamon-Braised Duck, Warm Pita, Red Beets, Herbed Yogurt, Baby Arugula, Mint, Green Olive, Pignolis

Beef, Broccoli: Charred Flatiron Steak, Baby Parsnips, Broccoli-Pomegranate “Salad”, Gingerbread-Stout Cake, Beef Jus

Apple, Cranberry : Caramel Apple Tart, Rosemary-Pumpkin Seed Streusel, Cranberry Sorbet, Toasted Marshmallow 

(also pictured)

Pear, Gingerbread: Brown-Butter Sage Financier, Roasted Pear Mousse, Cinnamon, Gingerbread Ice Cream, Sauteed Pears

Also in Lincoln Park, theres a wonderful French pastry shop called, VANILLE PATISSERIE.

We went for the LISA, which had Peanut Butter Mousse, Banana Cremeux, Pretzel Crisp, Chocolate Flourless Cake, and Peanut Butter Glaze.

Also, for some amazing donuts, check out GLAZED AND INFUSED . 

Maple Bacon Long John: Bar of golden goodness layered with real maple glaze and candied bacon

Caramel Pumpkin Pecan: Yeast bismark with pumpkin mousse filling, caramel topping and sprinkled with toasted pecans

Portillo's Hot Dogs...the one and only Chicago Dog.

And last...but not least. Chicago Deep Dish at LOU MALNATI'S.