ART WORLD GREAT LOSS - Francois Xavier Lalanne

The art world suffered a great loss this week with the death of Francois Xavior Lalanne at the age of 81.  Lalanne's prolific career spanned more than half a century.   His surrealist sculptures that sometimes doubled as furniture could be wonderfully decadent or subtly demure.  One thing was constant - they brought beauty to the world.   Known for his portrayal of animals, most often sheep the artist had a strong international following.  In recent years the pieces emerged in fashion boutiques around the world.   Tom Ford's NY boutique prominently positioned a  bronze crocodile "chair" that greeted every visitor and caught the eye of every passerby.   In Beverly Hills, a delicate stag sculpture recreated the decor of Coco Chanel's apartment in the newly renovated fine jewelry boutique of the Parisian house.   Speaking of Paris, more pieces decorated the new Dior store there.   While Yves Saint Laurent himself collected Lalanne, the recent design house fans were steered by architect Peter Marino.  Marino who himself has gotten more attention lately for his personal re-invention a la Thierry Mugler circa 1990 or Mr. Eagle Bar, is the man responsible for the look of Chanel, Valentino, & Dior Boutiques worldwide.   He is an avid Lalanne collector and is said to have the largest personal collection of the artist in the world.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Claude and Francois last year at the re-opening of the Chanel boutique in Beverly Hills.  They were striking as a couple and had the room mesmerized by their presence.   Deepest sympathies to Claude Lalanne.

Black is the old Black at F.I.T. exhibit

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is a treasure hidden in broad daylight.   While the museum is critically acclaimed, it remains under the radar compared to the much more editorialized Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.    F.I.T. is an incredible institution that counts many famous fashion designers as alumni.   This alumni bank has led to an internship program so rich in resources and connections, it is hard to compare with any other program of its kind.    

The current exhibit :  GOTHIC - Dark Glamour is a perfect example of the stunning execution the museum and its director and chief curator Valerie Steele is known for.  They say the Devil is in the details, and if that is true - this show is pure Evil!   From the moment you enter the underground gallery - you are taken to a dark place - both literally and figuratively.   Your eyes adjust to the beautiful darkness and these exquisite pieces of fashion come to life.   Organized in creative displays that do justice to every fashion piece on loan - this show takes you through the concept of "The Gothic" and how it carved out a niche in the fashion world.

It is no wonder that the heavyweights loan looks to F.I.T. without question.   Major Houses like Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Givenchy and more are on display.  GOTHIC - Dark Glamour runs through February 21st, 2009.

Fashion Institute of Technology  / 27th Street at 7th Avenue / Open to the public / Admission is free

Tues - Fri Noon - 8pm , Saturday 10am - 5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays.