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.]

RICHTER (and a Giveaway!)

I think the greatest thing about fashion is not having to stay true to one style. Though most people have certain aesthetic looks that they gravitate toward, there is no rule that you can't try a different one every day. And if you're looking to revamp a bit, check out my giveaway at the end of this post!

The idea of continuously experimenting with different styles relates to the artistic practice of German artist Gerhard Richter (b. 1932). He is well-known for his abstract paintings, photorealist works, and photography.

Richter works with numerous artistic media, purporting the idea that an artist does not need to have one, recognizable style. Throughout his career, Richter has been associated with Expressionism, Minimalism, Realism, Color Theory, and even created a breathtaking stained glass window for the Cologne Cathedral.

One aspect that ties his work together is the representation of physical activity or movement.

The "blur" Richter is known for in both his representational and abstract works is created by applying paint onto the canvas and then squeegeeing it horizontally and vertically.

This creates an illusion of space that is surprisingly believable, given its somewhat natural occurence.

This Richter-inspired outfit began with the brushstroke-print tunic, which reminded me of the marks of his paintings. Then I added a few accessories in primary colors reminiscent of his works.

I'm wearing a thrifted silk tunic, Alice + Olivia blazer, Limited silk scarf, Habitual denim, Chloe sunglasses, vintage leather clutch, and leather Aldo boots.

If you need to fill a void in your closet or home, check out CSN stores. It is a great site that has everything from cute pumps to computer desks for home, so even if you're not a shoe fiend like me, you're likely to find something great! I'm giving away a $35 gift card to one reader from the U.S. or Canada. To enter, follow Artfully Awear with Google Friend Connect. For extra entries, follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Bloglovin. Comment here and let me know where you follow. I will choose one winner at random and announce it on Wednesday, March 2. Good luck!

[Richter images from gloobbi.com, artobserved.com, and sauer-thompson.com, respectively.]

ACHROME (and my first giveaway!)

After the first snow this week, I was suddenly thrust into panic mode after the realization that Christmas is right around the corner. If you've put off your shopping until the last minute like moi, see the end of this post for a giveaway that might just help you out!

Once I realized that it is, indeed, the Christmas season, I thought it was time to pull out my Tartan plaids and Abominable Snowman jacket.

This jacket isn't very warm, but it always makes me think of Piero Manzoni's Achromes, and that's reason enough to wear it.

Piero Manzoni (1933-1963) was a Conceptual artist whose work was a response to post-war Italian society.

In his Achrome series, he used all manner of multidimensional substances to evoke the white paintings of artists like Kasimir Malevich, Lucio Fontana, and Robert Rauschenberg.

Although the Achromes appear to be white, they were actually clear and colorless.

These works were originally intended as a response to Yves Klein's monochrome paintings (remember the bright blue squares?). Manzoni eventually created works with pigments that changed color over time.

The Achromes are beautiful studies in texture and the effects of light on a clear ground.

I decided to pair the jacket with leather leggings to contrast the fluffiness, and flannel shirt for warmth.

I'm wearing an H&M flokati jacket, mens' vintage flannel shirt, H&M leather leggings, BCBG booties, and Ralph Lauren leather driving gloves.

As I mentioned earlier, if you're a bit behind on your holiday shopping, you may want to check out CSN stores. They have loads of gifts from sparkly heels to leather messenger bags and they're giving one of my readers a $35 gift card! To enter, follow Artfully Awear with Google Friend Connect (click on the Follow tab in the left sidebar) and leave a comment on this post. The contest will be open to U.S. and Canada readers only through Tuesday, December 14 at midnight. I will announce the winner here on Wednesday. Good luck!

[Manzoni images from moma..org, artnet.com, rotatestockforfreshness.com, and museomadre.it, respectively.]