Arts + travel | Eyestylist

Karttoffelmuseum

1st January 2012

The Museum of Potato Art, Munich

1st January 2012 The humble potato is elevated to high art at the charming Karttoffelmuseum in Munich. Actually, the history of the potato is fascinating, first appearing in Europe probably in the 16th century. Did you know there are over 1000 varieties of potato? And nearly three hundred variations are available in Germany. “The Museum of Potato Art” is an enchanting voyage about an every day food staple: the care and cultivation, harvest, at the market – presented through art, photos, and documents. Director Barbara Kosler is enthusiastic about the museum’s activities for 2012, because it is the 300th birthday of Friedrich 11, an important King of Prussia and a potato hero. For a unique museum visit, don’t miss Kartoffelmuseum! www.kartoffelmuseum.de JG

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Arts + travel

Azzedine Alaïa Retrospective

18th December 2011

Fantastic Alaïa Fashion Creations at The Groninger Museum, The Netherlands

18th December 2011 Femininity, flirtatiousness and flair are the hallmark of Alaïa designs. Women adore his clothes, for their glamour, sensuality, style and cut. To celebrate the couturier’s fabulous collections of the past ten years, The Groninger Museum in Groningen, The Netherlands, presents a stunning exhibition – Azzedine Alaïa in the 21st Century.

Vanessa Friedman in the Financial Times describes the show as: “a tutorial in what happens when an exacting mind relentlessly works a few ideas to their natural extreme – a case study in just how far basic cloth such as knit, wool, cotton and skins can be pushed so that it transforms into something completely other.”

Azzedine AlaÃ¯a — Slinky, Sensuous, Timeless: Alaïa

Alaïa’s experimentation and creativity with fabric is splendidly evident, and “completely other”, when translated into designs that embrace and celebrate a woman’s body. This retrospective is a sequel to the original presentation at The Groninger Museum in 1997-1998, that highlighted Alaïa’s early designs. The Tunisian-born Alaïa is one of fashion’s most important couturiers, and the exhibition is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary talents. Until 6 May 2012 www.groningermuseum.nl JG

Arts + travel

Elizabeth Taylor Auction

1st December 2011

Christie’s New York

Elizabeth Taylor’s fondness for jewels is well documented, and she also had a passion for eyewear and fashion. Jewels, eyewear and clothing go under the gavel at Christie’s New York from 3-17 December, as well as online. Taylor’s extensive collection of designer sunglasses includes frames by Dior, Chanel, Selima, Cartier, Judith Leiber and many more. Clothing and accessories from international couturiers include Halston, Ossie Clark, Vicky Tiel, Balmain, Chanel, Versace, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, and Valentino (Above – photo: Christie’s Images Limited). This auction could be as legendary as the iconic film diva! Further details at: www.christies.com JG

Arts + travel

Irving Penn Auction at Christie’s

7th November 2011

Iconic Photographers’ Images in Paris Sale

7th November 2011 His fabulous photos elegantly graced the pages of Vogue and he photographed some of the most important luminaries of the 20th century – including Igor Stravinsky, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Cocteau,Truman Capote, and Georgia O’Keefe. Now for the first time in Europe, photos by American photographer Irving Penn will be auctioned at Christie’s Paris, on 12th Novembre. The 52 photos to be sold, estimated at €1.6 million, will benefit Médecins Sans Frontières. Penn’s fascinating images express sophisticated elegance with austere backgrounds, and subtle lighting – he rarely used props or backdrops. He married his favourite model, Lisa Fonissagrives, (shown above in the Harlequin Dress 1950, estimation €200,000-€300,000, copyright Condé Nast Publications Inc.), and she featured in many of his photos. Viewing is open to the public from Monday 7 to Friday 11 November, at Christie’s, 9 avenue Matignon, 75008. The sale takes place on Saturday at 19h00. www.christies.com JG

Arts + travel

New African Fashion

6th November 2011

A colourful guide by Helen Jennings

5th November 2011 I was recently sent a copy of this guide to African fashion by journalist Helen Jennings, an expert in the field and editor of Arise magazine. Published by Prestel (£15.99) the book celebrates a new wave of fashion designers with international recognition. Profiling lines such Black Coffee and Ozwald Boateng, Jennings also presents a detailed history of African fashion, beauty and style. An inspiration if you love fashion, trend developments or have an interest in African style and its place on the international fashion stage today….the book includes Duro Olowu, who designs chic, attention-grabbing colourful prints (one of my favourites), through to catwalk models such as Alek Wek and photographer Chris Saunders. www.prestel.com CN