Oh, May. It never fails to be interesting month. It is even one of the few months with two labors, hawking or courtly love. So, depending on your station, perhaps your months has been knights on horseback, hunting parties, and men going hawking in the forest. A boating party on the Seine. At Amiens a peasant resting in the
shade. A man may be daydreaming about his beloved in Autun. Or at
Vezelay, a man leans on his shield, lost in thought. You know... all things none of us do. Ever.
In a more realistic bent, instead of courtly love many of use have instead been living this year's Rare Book School Valentine's Day Thought "anything worth doing is worth overdoing." So far it seems to be going quite. We'll see how that leaves everyone heading into the mowing of June. Or perhaps we'll be the one's mowed.
Hawking. We really have nothing to equate to hawking here. I can say that we were gawping (at least that rhymes) at the sales of today's Schimmel Forgeries Collection at Bonhams. What an auction! I won't say much because PhiloBiblos, likely do a full auction report and a far better job than I could. Until then, you can read the auction preview. But, I will say that I was certainly surprised. I expected huge sales.
Well, I just wanted to make sure I got something in about the labors of May. I would write more but I am off to overdo some things before there just isn't any more day left to do things in!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March, March, March
March already, can you believe it?! We set it off with a blizzard here - you know, really wanted to nail the whole in like a Lion bit, even though it's the month of the ram. So too, I suppose there's plenty of time for pruning later, it is a long month after all. What is this ram and pruning business you ask? Just the medieval zodiac and labor of the month, that's all. One of the most interesting things about March is that there is no alternate labor for it. All eleven other months have two, mostly because the rich had different labors than the poor, like feasting instead of trying not to freeze to death by warming next to a fire... if you had one. In all fairness where one lived might also have effected the labor of the month due to the weather or growing seasons. It is not likely that farmer's wheat in central England and central Italy were ready for reaping at the same time. Of course the labor's of the month are rarely applicable now, I still like them. Time Sanctified, by Roger Wieck, is a fantastic book if you're interested in the labor's of the month or anything pertaining to medieval books of hours, which are quite fascinating. Though books of hours are generally made up of all the same; a calendar followed by specific subjects from the bible for each of the eight hours of prayer with tribute to each of the evangelists they often differ in their decoration, images, style of text and what important dates they put on their calendar. See there's a lot to know about books of hours.Maybe it's a hang over from books of hours but it seems that our favorite way to commemorate something is to give it a day. With only a fixed number of months and days I feel it's time we pick a new method to commemorate things. How can March be important and significant as colorectal cancer awareness month when it's also International Ideas, Adopt a Guinea Pig, Red Cross, Irish-American Heritage, National MS Education and Awareness, Small Press, Women's History and Youth Art Month too, to only name a few. That doesn't even get in to the weekly and daily honors. I don't know, maybe it's fun or maybe it's over done.
Whether you'll be recognizing Dr. Seuss Day (2nd), National Grammar Day (4th), the Iditarod (3rd- 13th or so), Pi Day (14th), Brutus Day (15th), the Ides of March (15th), The Gardner thefts anniversary (17th) or St. Patrick's Day (17th) this month, happy March. May it bring longer days, milder weather, warmth and spring.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Not Too Shabby!
I don't know about you, but I really, really do not like shopping.
Well, to be fair I like some shopping. I like book shopping and I always liked signing up for classes in college and grad school, which felt kind of like shopping. But I do not at all enjoy clothes shopping, or grocery shopping or any of shopping of that nature.
Which is why it was very surprising to me that I really enjoyed browsing Shabby Apple online. It's not the same old clothes for the same old stick figures. There are lots of really cute dresses in a variety of styles. Being me, I wasn't able to stick in there long enough to browse the entire site but beyond the body type guide, which suggests items from their collections based on your body type, and a quick glance at a few of their collections I happened to click on their swim section which are all vintage inspired one piece and tankini suits. I thought that really captured the essence of how Shabby Apple stands apart - wearable clothes (meaning mature adults could wear them to work or elsewhere and be both age and setting appropriate), for real people, with a little vintage twist of classiness. Refreshing. I highly recommend Shabby Apple the next time you're on the market for something new to wear.
Well, to be fair I like some shopping. I like book shopping and I always liked signing up for classes in college and grad school, which felt kind of like shopping. But I do not at all enjoy clothes shopping, or grocery shopping or any of shopping of that nature.
Which is why it was very surprising to me that I really enjoyed browsing Shabby Apple online. It's not the same old clothes for the same old stick figures. There are lots of really cute dresses in a variety of styles. Being me, I wasn't able to stick in there long enough to browse the entire site but beyond the body type guide, which suggests items from their collections based on your body type, and a quick glance at a few of their collections I happened to click on their swim section which are all vintage inspired one piece and tankini suits. I thought that really captured the essence of how Shabby Apple stands apart - wearable clothes (meaning mature adults could wear them to work or elsewhere and be both age and setting appropriate), for real people, with a little vintage twist of classiness. Refreshing. I highly recommend Shabby Apple the next time you're on the market for something new to wear.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Can Fashion Really Work Upcycling?
My first response would be, "Work it out of its system, hopefully!" - but I may in fact be wrong.
First, you may ask "What is upcycling?". Upcycling, as I was introduced to it - hence huge over simplification alert, is the reusing of a material to make something of equal or better longevity than what it was originally. That is to say instead of using 500 potato chip bags to make an iodine bottle, using 500 chip bags to make a messenger bag. Theoretically this is a really great idea, wine cork cork-boards. However, personally, in clothing I often also find these efforts to be extremely ugly and would never be caught dead carrying a satchel with junk food labels emblazoning it (never mind buy one!). I know, I know you might say "aw, but it's cutesy kitsch" - I just cannot agree. Now, in all fairness there are less gauche renditions of this phenomenon - think seat-belt belts (hey, I said less). So, as much as I like the idea, I'm just not a fan when it comes to clothing items and accessories.
Then you can imagine my shock as I was reading the news this morning when I happened upon an article in the NYT about the great future of upcycling in fashion. Fashion recycling can be pretty iffy as it is, and those are already items intended to be worn as clothing. But using non clothing items....
I must admit, though I'm still wary of the idea, silk parachutes as cargo pants or canvas sails as a hat or coat - maybe upcycling does have a fashion future for the discerning of taste. So, keep your eye out for increasing instances, and better manifestations of what I formerly called the movie concession-wear trend. Who knows, maybe even I'll come around.
First, you may ask "What is upcycling?". Upcycling, as I was introduced to it - hence huge over simplification alert, is the reusing of a material to make something of equal or better longevity than what it was originally. That is to say instead of using 500 potato chip bags to make an iodine bottle, using 500 chip bags to make a messenger bag. Theoretically this is a really great idea, wine cork cork-boards. However, personally, in clothing I often also find these efforts to be extremely ugly and would never be caught dead carrying a satchel with junk food labels emblazoning it (never mind buy one!). I know, I know you might say "aw, but it's cutesy kitsch" - I just cannot agree. Now, in all fairness there are less gauche renditions of this phenomenon - think seat-belt belts (hey, I said less). So, as much as I like the idea, I'm just not a fan when it comes to clothing items and accessories.
Then you can imagine my shock as I was reading the news this morning when I happened upon an article in the NYT about the great future of upcycling in fashion. Fashion recycling can be pretty iffy as it is, and those are already items intended to be worn as clothing. But using non clothing items....
I must admit, though I'm still wary of the idea, silk parachutes as cargo pants or canvas sails as a hat or coat - maybe upcycling does have a fashion future for the discerning of taste. So, keep your eye out for increasing instances, and better manifestations of what I formerly called the movie concession-wear trend. Who knows, maybe even I'll come around.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Has Spring Officially Sprung?
It certainly has not where I am, but that hasn't stopped people from willing it to arrive. This story begins with my very rare treat for myself, a coffee or tea, to sip while I wait for the bus to work after my morning workout. One day last week just happened to be one of those treat days. Conveniently there is a chain coffee shop in the same building where my gym is located and when I got in line I couldn't help but notice these
One of the women who works the cash register decided to have a little fun with the doughnuts... so she wedged the doughnut holes back in and made flowers out of them! She also made rain doughnuts (you can see one of those in the far back). Though it was overcast, bitter cold and blustery out seeing these little creations certainly brightened the day. Perhaps they'll do the same for yours.
One of the women who works the cash register decided to have a little fun with the doughnuts... so she wedged the doughnut holes back in and made flowers out of them! She also made rain doughnuts (you can see one of those in the far back). Though it was overcast, bitter cold and blustery out seeing these little creations certainly brightened the day. Perhaps they'll do the same for yours.
Upcoming Events, Etc
Unfortunately, due to my busy schedule most of the February events I'd originally profiled in this post have come and gone. Yikes! So, with a hopeful glance towards March here are two that you can still catch in the next few weeks.
Frock & Roll: Fashion that Rocks, designer cocktail party, at the Baum School of Art Rodale Galleries on February 25th at 7PM. This party is to celebrate the exhibit of the same name that explores fashion outside of daily attire. Anticipated to be present will be several designers including Annie Haslam, Annina King, Scott Hanna, Stella Zotis and others. For details visit, http://www.
The Sea, at the Phoenix Art Museum (living near the Phoenix Art Museum must be a real treat) opening reception is Friday March 2nd from 6 to 8 PM. The exhibition runs from March 3rd through July 15th and will focus on the expression and influence of the sea in fashion as manifest in color, design, patterns, etc. from the 19th century to today. To learn more, visit: http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/TheSea.php
Frock & Roll: Fashion that Rocks, designer cocktail party, at the Baum School of Art Rodale Galleries on February 25th at 7PM. This party is to celebrate the exhibit of the same name that explores fashion outside of daily attire. Anticipated to be present will be several designers including Annie Haslam, Annina King, Scott Hanna, Stella Zotis and others. For details visit, http://www.
The Sea, at the Phoenix Art Museum (living near the Phoenix Art Museum must be a real treat) opening reception is Friday March 2nd from 6 to 8 PM. The exhibition runs from March 3rd through July 15th and will focus on the expression and influence of the sea in fashion as manifest in color, design, patterns, etc. from the 19th century to today. To learn more, visit: http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/TheSea.php
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Late Winter, Early Spring Fashion Exhibits
If you're looking for something fabulous to do this weekend and you live near Allentown, PA; New York City; Massillon, OH; St. Paul, MN; Paris, France or Lyon, France - look no further.
Currently running Fashion and Costume Exhibits are....
Frock & Roll: Fashion that Rocks, through March 2nd at the Baum School of Art (Allentown, PA). This exhibit explores fashion outside of everyday attire and includes both pieces from international designers (McQueen, Yves St. Lauren, Gucci, etc) as well as emerging talent including pieces from designers seen on the hit show, Project Runway. http://www.strive2inspire.com/
Staging Fashion: 1880-1920: Jane Hadling, Lily Elsie and Billie Burke, at the Bard Graduate Center (New York City), though April 8th. This exhibit delves into influential fashion leaders and the turn of the 20th century and the roles they played. The relationship between celebrity figures and fashion is also explored. http://www.bgc.bard.edu/
Another Look at the New Look at the Massillon Museum (Massillon, OH) through April 1. This exhibit focuses around the response of fashion to the social and cultural changes post World War II. Topics include, Dior's very feminine silhouette, ready-made and homemade adaptations, everyday adaptations and the design and historical perspectives of these items. http://www.massillonmuseum.
Character in Costume: A Jack Edwards Retrospective, at the Goldstein Museum of Design (St. Paul, MN) through May 20th. This exhibit highlights Edwards' 50 plus year spanning all major cities across America and his method of bringing character to life via costume detail. http://goldstein.design.umn.
Goudemalion. Jean-Paul Goude A Retrospective, at Les Arts Decoratifs, the Louvre (Paris, France) through March 18th. The over forty year career of Goude is traced via diverse subject matter/format, with specific emphasis on his creative process, from fashion to photography and advertising to performing arts. http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.
Fashion Icon, Fabric Museum (Lyon, France) through March 25th. The elaborate dress of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus from the 12th through the 19th centuries is the focus of this exhibit. The adoration of these figures through the embellishment and coloring of their clothes as intertwined with the liturgical calendar and other Catholic practices is examined here.
http://www.musee-des-
Currently running Fashion and Costume Exhibits are....
Frock & Roll: Fashion that Rocks, through March 2nd at the Baum School of Art (Allentown, PA). This exhibit explores fashion outside of everyday attire and includes both pieces from international designers (McQueen, Yves St. Lauren, Gucci, etc) as well as emerging talent including pieces from designers seen on the hit show, Project Runway. http://www.strive2inspire.com/
Staging Fashion: 1880-1920: Jane Hadling, Lily Elsie and Billie Burke, at the Bard Graduate Center (New York City), though April 8th. This exhibit delves into influential fashion leaders and the turn of the 20th century and the roles they played. The relationship between celebrity figures and fashion is also explored. http://www.bgc.bard.edu/
Another Look at the New Look at the Massillon Museum (Massillon, OH) through April 1. This exhibit focuses around the response of fashion to the social and cultural changes post World War II. Topics include, Dior's very feminine silhouette, ready-made and homemade adaptations, everyday adaptations and the design and historical perspectives of these items. http://www.massillonmuseum.
Character in Costume: A Jack Edwards Retrospective, at the Goldstein Museum of Design (St. Paul, MN) through May 20th. This exhibit highlights Edwards' 50 plus year spanning all major cities across America and his method of bringing character to life via costume detail. http://goldstein.design.umn.
Goudemalion. Jean-Paul Goude A Retrospective, at Les Arts Decoratifs, the Louvre (Paris, France) through March 18th. The over forty year career of Goude is traced via diverse subject matter/format, with specific emphasis on his creative process, from fashion to photography and advertising to performing arts. http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.
Fashion Icon, Fabric Museum (Lyon, France) through March 25th. The elaborate dress of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus from the 12th through the 19th centuries is the focus of this exhibit. The adoration of these figures through the embellishment and coloring of their clothes as intertwined with the liturgical calendar and other Catholic practices is examined here.
http://www.musee-des-
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