Balenciaga @ The Queen Sophia Spanish Institute

Before last week, when I thought of 'Balenciaga' the first thing that popped into my mind was Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and the "Classic" motorcycle bag that was all the rage in 2005.  I knew the house of Balenciaga had much more depth than the "Bimbo Summit" as the NY Post so proudly proclaimed, but I had no clue as to the history or how the founder, Cristobal Balenciaga, drew inspiration from his Spanish seaside upbringing and translated it to Paris haute couture.  Being the fashion nerd that I am, I went to the Hamish Bowles lecture at FIT on his curated exhibit, Balenciaga: Spanish Master, at the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute in NYC to get the scoop from the expert.  I totally adore Mr. Bowles' writing in Vogue, and I am constantly amused by the complete out-of-his-element assignments he receives, most likely from La Wintour herself, being that he is a total dandy.  My personal faves include surf school with Blake Lively and living with an urban gardener slash dumpster-diver type.  

Back to Balenciaga--during the hour of going through one amazingly famous photograph after another with one amazingly gag-worthy garment after another, Hamish narrated the connection between the designs and how they related directly to Balenciaga's Spanish upbringing (along with plenty of lol and quote-worthy anecdotes).  The Cathlolic Church, Spanish regional dress, flamenco dancing costumes, bullfighting, and Spanish artists from Velasquez to Miro have all influenced his designs in such a direct way it is like a slap in the face and Ah-Ha moment in one.  To fuel the fire of my newfound obsession, I headed to the exhibit at the Spanish Institute the following day.  There was no time to be wasted while the info was fresh in my mind.  Up close and personal, the clothing is even more breathtaking, and the attention to detail and finishing made my own ensemble look like a home-ec project.  Below are some of my favorite pieces that are featured in the exhibit.  If you are a fashion-phile or a lover of luxe you will enjoy this collection.  I have been truly inspired, and who wouldn't love a designer who told his protege, Hubert de Givenchy, "A ruffle must be intelligent." 

Balenciaga: Spanish Master

curated by Hamish Bowles

through Saturday, November 19th 2011

Queen Sophia Spanish Institute New York

Park Ave. between 68th and 69th

Cost: $15

Or, catch it in San Francisco at the de Young Museum from March, 26 through July, 4 2011.

 

Birkin vs. Kelly

I always say you should learn something new every day.  Call me crazy, but I woke up this morning and was thinking, "What is the difference between the Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags."  Obviously, the Birkin gets all the glory, so I was surprised to find that the Kelly bag was the original and the Birkin was adapted from it.  So, whether or not you ever use this information I think it's good to be informed.  And, if you see a lucky lady walking down the street with either you can rest assured you won't make an embarrassing faux pas and mix the two up.  So, are you a Kelly or a Birkin??

The Kelly

A Bit of History:  The bag was introduced in 1892 as a large saddle carrier, then downsized in the 1930's to a handbag.  It was only named the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly repeatedly used it to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi is the late 1950's (she had been married to Prince Rainier of Monaco for less than a year).  One of the pictures landed on the cover of Life magazine, and an iconic bag was born.  It suits her to a t, though: perfectly tailored, classically put together, and not in the least bit ostentatious (except for the price).  This is definitely the more formal of the two.

Defining Characteristics:
- One handle
- Removable shoulder strap
- Top flap is one continuous piece from the back of the bag
- It is ridiculously expensive

The Birkin

A Bit of History:  During a 1981 flight, British actress/singer/bohemian Jane Birkin accidentally spilled her stuffed-to-the-gills Kelly bag in front of a Hermes head honcho.  She complained that the bag was not incredibly practical for schleping the daily necessities around and she needed something a bit more casual.  Thus the birth of the Birkin.  Ironically, she doesn't carry her namesake bag anymore because she claims its weight when full gave her tendonitis. 

Defining Characteristics:
- Two handles
- Shoulder strap is not removable
- Top flap is a separate piece that is sewn onto the back in an top arc
- It is ridiculously, ridiculously expensive

Pop Quiz:  Which bag is Marc Jacobs using as a beach bag in St. Bart's??

Let's Get Fired Up!

I am so excited about heading to D.C. this weekend to go to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  Yes, I am one of many Americans in my age group who gets a healthy dose of their news from the likes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert (along with the NYTimes).  Hey, I'm a busy girl and if I can get news and laughs at the same time well count me in! 

So, I am packing for my jaunt this afternoon and am asking myself....what does one wear to a political rally?  Especially one whose sole purpose is to promote reason.  The obvious choices include comfortable shoes since I will be standing and walking around all day (very reasonable), and I guess nothing that constricts the arms too much since I will want them available for wildly shaking fists (or not since that wouldn't be very reasonable).  And on top of that I need some sort of Halloween costume to wear on Saturday night (throw reasonable out the window).

In all actuality, I am a master of the traveling arts with a black belt in packing.  I think it has been years since I checked luggage, and it helps that I have no problem with wearing the same pair of pants three days in a row (just change the tops and accessories!).  So here is the wardrobe rundown: 1 pair of pants, two shirts (one dressy one casual), one layering sweater, two undies, two pairs of socks, sleeping clothes, and one blond wig for my Halloween costume.  All this + what I am wearing on the megabus.  Many times I have been called "The Voice of Reason" by one of my best friends, and this weekend I get to express all my reasonableness loudly and proudly!

REMEMBER TO VOTE ON TUESDAY NOV 2ND!!

If you don't then no bitchin'!

Check out user-submitted rally signs at SaneOrNot.com.  So funny!

Man of the Month: Michael Kors

I feel like I am seeing Michael Kors everywhere this month!  Not in person (that would be incredibly cool), but I've run into him in New York Magazine's Fall Fashion Issue, Vanity Fair, and I just watched an amazing documentary on him via Hulu.  For years I thought Michael Kors was just the cat-tastic foil to Tim Gunn's verbose teacher type.  Though I loved him on Project Runway, I never really 'got' what he did.  I had a complete light bulb moment this week when I realized there was nothing to get:  Michael Kors makes wearable, classic, luxurious, all-American sportswear that flatters everyone....which is actually quite revolutionary.  He is not mister costume or creative, nor does he jump on any trend bandwagon--which we all know causes those 'what was I thinking' fashion moments later in life.  He knows his women, and he wants them to look jet-set classic whether they are in St. Tropez, St. Moritz, or St. Paul.  Enjoy!

ps- love Michael's mom! 

Park Avenue Jesus! (New York Magazine)