RAINY SUNDAY AT THE MET

As evidenced here, there are few things I adore more than spending a rainy afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Although the roof closed shortly after my arrival, I enjoyed exploring new areas of a museum I've been to many, many times.

I discovered the Antonio Ratti Textile Center and Reference Library while searching for a tiny exhibition of William Morris (1834-1896) textiles and wallpaper which was just outside.  An extremely well-known British decorative artist, Morris created beautiful undulating designs that possess a timelessness which makes them seem more modern than their era.

And speaking of timelessness, I caught sight of Anna Wintour on her way out; presumably giving last-minute approvals for last night's Costume Institute Gala.  Perfect Sunday.

Blouse: Tracy Reese

Silk Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo

Photos of me by Meri Feir; Met roof photo by me.

WATER LILIES

Claude Monet, Water Lilies (French, Paris 1840 - 1926 Giverny)

There are few more delightful ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than wandering through the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  On this particular Sunday, Monet's Water Lilies were especially beautiful as a contrast to the grey slush outside on Fifth Avenue.  According to Urban Dictionary, "Monet" can be used to describe someone who "looks good from afar, but far from good close up."  That is usually the case with my Sunday afternoon ensembles!

Coat: Free People

Sequin skirt: French Connection (thrifted)

Tights: Falke

Boots: DKNY

Sweatshirt: J. Crew

Snakeskin purse: Vintage (thrifted)

Necklace: H&M

Photo by Meri Feir.

ART TO WEAR: Unbuttoning the Met.

Ji Eon Kang, Dress, 1997

It's a sad day for collectors of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic metal admission tags, which have been discontinued.  In memory of the colorful pins, here is a look at Ji Eon Kang's dress made of the ubiquitous mini medallions, a class project-turned-memoriam. The pins have been described as "a kind of coin minted expressly for entry into the museum" and represent, to many, the identity of the Met and the cultural identity of New York City.

 How Shocking: Met Unbuttons.

Via.

CLOUD CITY

These photos were taken on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Tomás Saraceno's installation Cloud City currently resides, through November 4.  Saraceno creates environments out of scientific forms, breaking boundaries between art, science, and architecture.  This work challenges the way the participant interacts with his or her surroundings, and the roof of the Met is the perfect place to experience the mirrored structure, which allows viewers to ascend closer and closer to clouds themselves.

I'm wearing a Robert Rodriguez blouse, H&M skirt, Neon wedges, and Linda Farrow sunglasses.

MIDDAY

Me, midday, 2012

Anthony Caro, Midday, 1964

People have asked me to describe what my sculpture is about and I keep on saying its like music. What I think I mean by that is that Im trying to take out the whole business of it being pieces of steel that are used in engineering, pieces of steel that are used in architecture. I just happen to use those materials instead of using notes.

--Anthony Caro 

I'm wearing a Cynthia Steffe dress, Lovely People sandals, and a vintage belt.

[Photo of me by MF, Caro photo from thenewsgallery.com.]

CREATIVELY GIFTED

In the spirit of the shopping season, I've put together a collection of (mostly affordable) gift ideas for the artfully minded individual.  I would love to give or receive everything on this page!  

Not pictured is my absolute favorite gift: a museum membership.  Not only does it generally provide the recipient with free admission, discounts, and access to special events, it also supports the institution and its ability to bring art to others.

Happy shopping!

Knitta Artist Series Hand-wrapped Sunglasses, $130

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner, $21

ABEX Crayon Set, $16

Art Memo Game, $19

Watercolor Tyvek Mighty Wallet, $15

New Media Art, $10

Bond No.9 Parfum, $195

Basquiat (Basic Art), $10 

Hokusai Great Wave Scarf, $60

Moleskine Passions Style Journal, $19.95

Lukas Designer's Gouache Set, $14.40

Nick Cave Punching Bag, $70

Unicorn Tapestry Tie, $50

UNICORN TAPESTRIES

Embroidery and crewelwork on garments always puts me in mind of medieval tapestries, such as the well-known Unicorn Tapestries of the Late Middle Ages.

The set of seven tapestries is of South Netherlandish origin, and is made of wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt (or gold) wefts.

The tapestries, depicting the hunt and capture of the mythological unicorn, manifest themes of fertility and marriage, as well as the Passion of the Christ.

There are also many symbolic characteristics, ranging from the over 100 species of plants depicted, to the number of figures and colors used.

In Medieval times, the unicorn was a symbol of invincibility, often representing Christ, and the horn was believed to have healing properties. This belief extended to the horn of the narwhal, which was a highly sought-after object.

Dating from around 1495 to 1505, the set remains in remarkable condition and resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection at The Cloisters.

I'm wearing a J. Crew cashmere sweater and pencil skirt and Plenty by Tracy Reese embroidered jacket, all thrifted from the same Goodwill, on different days. The boots are the Frye Veronica, the leather purse is vintage, and the necklace is from Anthropologie.

[Unicorn Tapestry images from metmuseum.org.]