Happy Birthday, Andy Warhol!

Andy Warhol would have been 87 years old today.

As a tribute #tbt, here is my Halloween costume from two years ago, Turquoise Marilyn from 1964.  The painting was purchased for a rumored $80M in May of 2007, making it one of the most expensive Warhol artworks ever sold.  Aside from its value, it has become a cultural icon, representing fame and fortune, and a symbol for Warhol's entire oeuvre.

Ever wonder what Andy would be up to if he were still alive today?

Photo by Kathy Paciello; Warhol image from therealbest.com.

TGIF

It's been a long week.

Flashback to the position and location in which I'd like to spend every weekend.

Andy Warhol, Shadows, at Dia.

Photo by Meri Feir.

JOURNEY OF A DRESS

I've long considered Diane von Furstenberg a role model, and an exhibition currently on view in Los Angeles establishes her as even more: a national treasure.  Including an extensive collection of artwork featuring her designs and Diane herself, Journey of a Dress also showcases the history of her timeless wrap dresses, which debuted in 1974 and completely changed the womenswear industry with the mantra "Feel like a woman, wear a dress!"  Diane is not only a fashion mainstay, but is also dedicated to several philanthropic causes and a fixture in the New York social scene.  Ms. Furstenberg continues to inspire me with both a desire to succeed and to give back, and with a lust for more of her flattering, feminine designs.

See another DVF wrap dress, featured lovingly on my blog last year.

The Journey of a Dress exhibition closes today, but you can find more information about it here.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Andy Warhol collection

Shoes: Belle by Sigerson Morrison Abra

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Photos by Jayne Clark.

AFFORDABLE ART

Last night, I attended AAF After Dark at the Affordable Art Fair.  AAF is a great starting point for anyone who is newly interested in art, or loves art but doesn't have an unlimited budget for it (works start at $100).  My extremely affordable Warhol-inspired ensemble alluded to the original proponent of the democratization of fine art. Check out my previous Warhol post here.

AAF continues through Sunday at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC.

Muscle Tee (Under $15!)

Skirt (Under $20)

Pumps: Rebecca Minkoff

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Company

Photos by Kathy Paciello; Campbell's Soup image from jssgallery.org.

ART HISTORICAL HALLOWEEN

For Halloween this year, my friend (and faithful art lover) Kathy and I decided to go all out art historical.  She was Picasso's Woman in a Hat with Pompoms and a Printed Blouse from 1962 and I was Warhol's Turquoise Marilyn from 1964.

I even ran into an Andy at a party that night, and couldn't help being reminded of the quote by the man himself: 

"My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person."

I'd love to hear what you're going to be for Halloween!

Dress and Wig: Amazon.com (search "Marilyn dress" and "Marilyn wig"--easy!)

Body paint and makeup: Ricky's NYC

Picasso and Warhol images from about.com

ART TO WEAR: Self Portrait.

"I believe in low lights and trick mirrors." --Andy Warhol

I rarely discuss beauty products here, but I couldn't resist this Andy Warhol eyeshadow palette by NARS (one of my personal favorite beauty brands).  It would be ever so easy to create your own work of art by using these shades.

$55, available here.

CAMPBELL'S SOUP

I'm afraid that if you look at a thing long enough, it loses all of its meaning.

This quote from Andy Warhol applies to many aspects of life, but is specifically relevant when it comes to art.

Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans had, unfortunately, fallen into the "familiarity breeds contempt" category for me, until I received an email from a friend last week with the photo above attached. Suddently, I was newly inspired by the familiar work and created four outfits to correspond with the color scheme of the cans' counterparts.

Synonymous with the Pop Art movement, Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans symbolized mundane commercialism, compounded by both the subject and the method of these works. Not only was Campbell's Soup marketed and distributed to mass consumers, but the method by which these works were created--silkscreen--was connected with mass production as well. These works are infinitely important art historically because they signify the move away from the idea of the artist as creative, expressive genius and simultaneously encapsulate the increasing commercialization of society in the 1950s and 1960s.

To view more photos and details of the rest of the outfits, visit my facebook page!

[Warhol image from gypsyart.yolasite.com.]

HAPPY WARHOLIDAYS

Every year since I was little, I've looked forward to picking out my Christmas dress and this year was no exception. When I initially found this dress at Goodwill, I didn't buy it. After a change of heart, I went back a few days later and discovered that it was 50% off. It was a Christmas miracle, and I couldn't be happier with this Mrs. Claus-esque satin party dress.

Since my dress is decidedly retro, I wanted to share these Christmas illustrations by Andy Warhol from the 1950s and '60s.

Before he became an art world superstar, Warhol was an illustrator, and created greeting cards and displays for department stores.

I love the simplicity of these drawings, especially in light of how his artistic oeuvre eventually centered on mass production, and images like Campbell's soup cans and Brillo pads.

My favorite is the red ankle boot filled with holly.

I paired the dress with toile tights reminiscent of Warhol's ink drawings. I'm wearing a thrifted vintage satin dress, Look from London tights, Jill Stuart shoes, and my Grandmother's strand of pearls.

Thanks to Whitney Marie for the lovely photos (and the Starbucks gift card).

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Warholidays!

[Warhol images from thetablet.co.uk, art.com, flickr.com, and 1.bp.blogspot.com, respectively.]

THINK PINK

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this post is all about pink. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in our country. As with any cancer, early detection is key. Raising awareness is the best way to support a cause, and there are lots of ways to do so. [Click images to enlarge.]

For more information on how to get involved, visit Susan G. Komen.

Also check out the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony fund.

I'm wearing a Jil Sander chiffon dress. This is one of the only pieces in my wardrobe where I feel that wearing shoes takes away from it.

And since we're thinking pink, here are some of my favorite pink artworks:

Andy Warhol, Cow Wallpaper

John Baldessari, Person With Guitar

Willem DeKooning, Pink Angels

Donald Judd, Stacks

Coming up in November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a cause very dear to me. I'll be running in the Race for Breath in Virginia Beach on November 6. Click the link to sign up or to find other ways to get involved.

[Art images from chrysler.org, academics.smvct.edu, artnet.com, and the Hirshhorn, respectively.]