THERE ARE ALWAYS FLOWERS

When late winter seems to drag on, it is unbelievably exhilarating to find inspiration in the form of brightly-colored flowers on a dreary February day in the city.  I've spoken before of the link between color and emotion, which is undeniably apparent in the work of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), one of my constant sources of inspiration.

For this look in particular, I was inspired by the color combination used so very frequently in his works, the contrast of purple and yellow.

Matisse's use of these highly saturated, straight-from-the tube hues (a movement known as Fauvism during the first decade of the 20th century) characterizes his entire oeuvre, and inspired a league of artists who followed in his footsteps.

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." 

--Henri Matisse

View my previous Matisse posts here, here, here, and here.

I'm wearing a vintage dress and belt, Topshop tights, leather boots from Joe Fresh, a Burberry trench, and a leather Dooney & Bourke tote.

These photos were taken by my friend Meri, who suggested this lovely flower shop on 28th Street as a backdrop.

I've extended the deadline to enter my recent giveaway of a beautiful red Shabby Apple dress!  View the post here.

[Matisse images from painting-box.com, and princetonol.com, wikipaintings.org, famouspainters.org, respectively.]

REDDRESS (and a Giveaway!)

Out of 550 meters of red wool, Aamu Song created REDDRESS, an installation/sculpture/wearable that combines both interaction and performance.

Viewers are encouraged to sit and lounge within the luxurious folds of the dress, while a performer enrobed within the gown stands and performs on a pedestal.

REDDRESS was created for the London Design Festival last fall.  Hear Aamu Song discuss the work here:

Among many other aspects of the work, the idea of femininity is boldly expressed by the choice of a red dress, traditionally regarded as sensual and ladylike.

Inspired by REDDRESS, I'm giving away the red dress above from Shabby Apple (www.shabbyapple.com), an online boutique of women's dresses and other lovely things.  To enter, LIKE Shabby Apple on Facebook and comment here with your favorite Shabby Apple item.  

You'll receive five bonus entries if you relate the item to artwork!

I will choose a winner randomly on March 10, 2012 and will notify you via email.  Sorry, this giveaway is only open to US residents.
[Images from mymodernmet.com, com-pa-ny.com, avocadosweet.com, delood.com, and firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com, respectively.]