Life and Style – Page 7 – High End Weekly™

The Weekender: Elizabeth Taylor auction featured at Christie’s

The auction house devoted all 300,000 square feet of its facility to this museum-quality exhibit of Elizabeth Taylor’s Collections of jewelry, fashion, accessories, fine art, film memorabilia, costumes and decorative items. What can one expect to see at this once in a lifetime exhibition which is divided into four major sections?

Left: La Peregrina, a natural pearl, diamond and ruby necklace by Cartier. Right: Pair of Natural Pearl and diamond ear pendants by Bulgari

The Diamond Room: Which offers an up-close tour through Ms. Taylor’s most iconic jewelry, boasts an exquisite 33.19 carat D-color stunner, called the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. The Lifetime Achievement Room: A special display of Elizabeth Taylor’s impressive honors and humanitarian awards, intermingled with memorabilia and costumes from her many beloved film roles.

The Icon’s Closet is an awe-inspiring walk through. It is a treasure trove of flawlessly-maintained haute couture and ready-to wear fashion and accessories (many of which the actress brought herself with her own money, and without help from a throng of stylists), with over 200 designer handbags alone. Finally, The Art Gallery – the first comprehensive exhibition of her most impressive fine art collection, includes master works by Van Gogh (valued at $12 Million, it is the priciest item from the entire collection), Frans Hals, Degas, Pissaro, Renoir, and Warhol.

The auction is expected to exceed $50 million in total (I believe that the actual realized figure will quadruple that number). Tickets to the landmark exhibition are on sale now at www.christies.com/elizabethtaylorviews. Portion of the profits generated by the exhibition admissions, events and select publications related to the exhibitions will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, which was founded by the beloved actress in 1991. Ms. Taylor passed away on March 23 from congestive heart failure at the age of 79.

Christie’s

20 Rockefeller Plaza

New York City

212-636-2000

The Essentials: The little black dresses
Photos credited to: Associated Press

Lot 347

A Tiziani black velvet ‘Scorpio’ evening cape labeled ‘Tiziani Roma’, 1968-1969

Estimate: $2,000-$3,000

Lot 52

“The Night of the Iguana Brooch”

A diamond and multi-gem brooch by Jean Shlumberger, Tiffany & Co, circa 1964

Gift from Richard Burton upon the occasion of the premiere of the film Night of the Iguana, August 11, 1964

Estimate: $200,000-$300,000

Lot 1758

A black patent leather shoulder bag labeled ‘Lanvin’, probably 2000s, with an acrylic green marbled handle, magnetic closure and chunky goldtone chain strap, with a black ribbon tie and an interior integrated swivel mirror: 8″ High, 12″ Wide, 3″ Deep

Estimate $300-$500

Photos courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2011

Making a Statement

Photo credited to: Getty Images

The jaw-dropping Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Collection which is up for auction this month, finally made its grand appearance at Christie’s. The show is open to the public tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, and ends on Monday, December 12. Among other things, this exhibit reveals that not only was Dame Taylor a genuine Hollywood icon, but she was also a connoisseur of art and fashion, and of course, her lifetime passion – jewelry. The auction starts on the evening of December 13 with Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic jewelry. Orianne Collins, jewelry designer and owner of OC Concept Store, hosted the preview event at Christie’s (check out my interview with Ms. Collins).

Photo credit: Getty Images

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The Weekender: Marlborough Gallery — Le Cabinet de Curiosités

On November 12, my friend and I attended a VIP Preview of Le Cabinet de Curiosités in Tribeca. The swanky celebration was a combined effort between the Marlborough and Steinitz galleries. It was a rare occasion, to say the least. It’s not often that you’ll see a map table from Napoleon Bonaparte coupled with a mechanical insects collection (with metal bodies covered with the patina of a forgone age), and Manolo Valdés’ sculptures.But somehow the installation, under the supervision of renowned interior designer and architect, Thierry W Despond, came together beautifully.

Thierry W Despont

18th Century paneled rooms from the Steinitz Collection were flown over from France to accompany pieces of furniture and objects such as Renaissance bull’s head, 17th Century Japanese lacquered trunk, as well as art works from his artist friends, Manolo Valdez and Claudio Bravo. When I entered the first of these three rooms, I was quite taken by Claudio’s “tied papers” and “bookcases” which from afar looked real, but in reality was nothing more than segments of blank, raw, exotic woods, coyly implementing trompe l’oeil to comment on the use of books as fetish objects of aesthetic pleasure. This is a thought-provoking, and irresistible exhibition that is not to be missed.

Le Cabinet de Curiosités

November 15, 2011 – January 31, 2012

New York Mercantile Exchange

6 Harrison Street

New York City

Insects Collection from Thierry W Despond

right: Princess Firyal of Jordan

Manolo Valdes Sculpture, Mariposas doradas II

“For many years I have been consumed by the idea of creating a natural history museum of my artistic universe… dedicated to the accumulation of imaginary planets and their inhabitants, paintings, sculptures… brought back from my artistic Beagle journey.”

Thierry W Despont

Ondine de Rothschild

Prosper and Martine Assouline

Claudio Bravo Aluminums, Aluminios

photo courtesy of Malborough Gallery

Thierry W Despont’s Sculture

photos courtesy of Billy Farrell

Stephen Jones at the Bard

Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones

The Bard Graduate Center: September 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012

“I was honored when the V&A asked me to curate an exhibit about hats. I had so much fun finding unique head decoration in the most interesting of places. This exhibition draws on millinery collection world-wide and is truly an eclectic and exciting anthology of hats from the last millennium to the present day.”

Givency: Ostrich Feather

In order to show the universal appeal of wearing hats, Stephen Jones has chosen a wide variety of styles such as motorcycle helmets, turbans, berets, ad a child’s plastic tiara. Also on display at the exhibit are the works of contemporary New York milliners: Ellen Christine, Rod Keenan, Rod Keenan, Eugenia Kim, Lola, Jennifer Ouellette, Albertus Swanepoel, and Patricia Underwood. You will discover hats worn by celebrities such as Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Keira Knightley. Estee Lauder’s turban, Halston bunny ears worn by Candace Bergen to Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball. Divine!

Caroline Reboux: Empress Eugenie

Stephen Jones spearheaded the fashionable revival of British millinery in the early 1980s. Using unusual materials and daring designs, his exquisitely crafted hats have pushed the boundaries of hat design forward for more than three decades. Jones has collaborated with many leading fashion designers including Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garçons, and Christian Dior.

Bonnet – circa late 1800s

Gordon: Kiss Of Death
Extravagant!
It was so very hard to pick a favorite from one display after another. But if I had to make a few choices, I would say that the English Bonnet, and this “hat” from Gordon made the list for me, as well as some other eye catching favorites from Stephen Jones.

Balenciaga Spiral Hat

The exhibit consist of hats ranging from a twelfth-century Egyptian fez to a 1950s Balenciaga hat and couture creations by Jones and his contemporaries.

Christian Dior Haute Couture

Last weekend, my husband and I went to see The Stephen Jones exhibition at the Bard Graduate Center on the Upper West Side. It was extraordinarily beautiful, and we were delighted to discover the exhilarating world of Mr. Jones. Personally, I simply cannot wait for the next opportunities to visit the show again, and again. What’s so exciting about a hat exhibition, I mean what is the fuss all about? For one thing, I adore good looking hats, and the history behind these was too good not to have a mention here.

This collaboration is between the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Stephen Jones, the world’s foremost hat designer. An array of 250 exquisite hats (some dating back more than 300 years ago right into the 21st Century’s top fashion power houses) have been chosen with the expert eye of the master milliner. The BGC is offering a special series of lectures, study days, gallery talks, and conversations in conjunction with the exhibit. For further information, please call 212-501-3011 or e-mail them at programs@bgc.bard.edu

Don’t forget THE book!
Honestly, this is one of the most notable fashion page turners. Penned by Stephen Jones and Oriole Cullen, curator of textiles and fashion at the V&A, and published by V&A Publishing, this book draws on Jones’ unparalleled body of work and the V&A’s extensive collection of hats. Also featured are key pieces from international hat collections and design houses. Lawrence Mynott’s specially commissioned illustrations preface chapters that examine the milliner’s inspiration, the creation and process of making, how to buy a hat, and the etiquette of hat-wearing.

The Bard Graduate Center
18 West 86th Street
Between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cape Town

The Cloak of Visibility

From its medieval European origin (actually it goes further back) to right into the 21st Century, the cape has always been in vogue. However, 2011 is the year of the cape.

These days, it doesn’t matter where I am, or what time of the day it is, I see stylish men and women crowding the streets of Manhattan, and evening parties with their indispensable capes. And who can blame these fashion-conscious folks for wanting to make such a bold statement? Capes have been fuelling the daily wardrobe of fashionistas because of its simple and elegant lines, and also because they have this costume look about them, which is also very modern. Lately, I’ve asked myself this question: Is the recession responsible for the popularity of the cape? Maybe. The last time this item was so much in demand was in the swinging 60s when people were so optimistic about the future. Perhaps these difficult times are producing a generation of caped crusaders, no?

Lawren Howel

Pringle PreFall 2011

Tommy Hilfiger

Comme Des Garcons Spring 2012

Louis Vuitton PreFall 2011

Alexis Rodrigues Duarte and Tico Torres

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2011

Images from Vogue

The Weekender: Chateau du Portail

Sometimes in life it’s the little things that matters on a grand scale. Whether your weekend calls for complete solitude, celebrating life with your friends and family, or simply indulging in the arts and fairs that we often find in big cities, why not make this one an extra special fabulous one?

We picked out these photos from our friend Claude at Chateau du Portail, because they speak to us of past sun-drenched weekends, when we use to enjoy nothing more than the simple divine feel of the country side, and the serene quietness they convey, as we eagerly enjoyed life to the full.

Chateau du Portail, France

1950s Fashion

Ann Gunning by John French

Vintage Verner Panton

1962 Mini Austin Cooper

Not quite from the 1950s, but since Mini Cooper was founded in 1959,

this classic beauty is the best looking one that we’ve found that was close to that period.

We love the 1950s’ style, and wanting to be constantly reminded of this glamorous era,
last week, we brought this calendar through www.retrocalendar.com.

Junghans Kitchen Clock 1950s

Andy Warhol’s Pop Art

Milan’s Fashion Week

Deco 20s at Milan’s Fashion Week

As an art deco advisor, I always keep an eye out for anything, and everything deco for my clients. The last few days, I’ve been thrilled to see that a number of European designers are dazzling their audiences with inspirations from that long gone, glamorous era – Art Deco from the roaring twenties. From flapper dresses, cut loose through the waist and falling into hems that fluttered with plissé layers, or as a border of slashed pleats, or ones that swished with silk fringing. Coming from an Italian designer who is well known for her accessories, this deco collection with its bold prints, leaves no room for the “extras”. And that’s not a bad thing.

ETRO

Photos: Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

The Weekender: Gucci’s Spring 2012 Collection

“We must move on, move on, move on.” Frida Giannini

Frida’s new collection for Gucci brings the glamorous world of art deco to the runway in Milan, last week. Moving on has long been the motto for the modern woman, and no other era brings it to the fore like art deco. This classic style has staying power and a profitable one at that. From furniture design to architecture, and now with a definitive fashion collection from Gucci, today is the time to move on, and get reacquainted with art deco – in your home as well as in your clothing.

Gucci Spring 2012 Collection in Milan

The Weekender: New York Fashion Week

On The Runway

“Dressing up is the new cool, dressing down is old school,” said Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. Close to 100 designers, retail buyers, media and celebrities descended on Lincoln Center this Thursday for Fashion week. The colors on the runway this season are bright, bold, and some have a strong geometric lines with a real fresh concept. I love the clean, sleek, and modern look of Yigal Azrouel and BCGB Max Azria. The details from Oscar de la Renta and Jason Wu’s lines show the importance of cut as well as color and print.

Overall, the Spring 2012 Fashion Lines from most of the designers have some incredible subtle hues, and earthy tones, as well as monochromatic looks with accents of vibrant colors. Get up-to-the-minute updates on Fashion Week at http://www.youtube.com/liverunway.

Jason Wu

Zang Toi

Get up-to-the-minute updates on Fashion Week at http://www.youtube.com/liverunway

Oscar de la Renta

Yigal Azrouel

BCBG Max Azria

Wes Gordon

Style File: Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse

It’s been described as beautiful, luxe, sexy chic, and affordable luxury. The sleeveless, high collar black dress which has the potential to show off beautiful shoulders and arms is fast becoming a favorite…

Canadian model, Coco Rocha, and Karl Largerfeld

For a man who designs $3,000 pair of shorts for Chanel, I would say that some of the pieces shown on the Impulse collection look like they came straight from Chanel’s runway. What an absolute bargain! The garments have that certain legendary luxe profile which Chanel is so well known for. The shapes are classic Coco Chanel, subtle yet sensual.

Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour

The Karl Lagerfeld limited edition collection for Impulse launched nationwide on August 31, but the legendary fashion designer, artist, and photographer made it official yesterday when he appeared at Macy’s Harold Square, with his friend and business partner, Anna Wintour, as well as his latest muse, Coco Rocha. Right in time for Fashion Night Out which kicks off Fashion Week tomorrow.

High End Weekly™ was thrilled to witness this special occasion, and I might add, pleasantly surprised to see Anna Wintour (the Press Release did not indicate that she would be there). On Tuesday evening, Ms. Wintour thanked the crowd who braved some pretty heavy rain condition in order to show their enthusiastic support for the brand.

The inexpensive, but high quality collection includes flowing and perfectly-tailored frocks, a little bit of tweed and leather, fingerless gloves, a couple of iconic Karl Largerfeld printed tank tops, and tees – priced from $50 to $170.