WARHOL, FORD, & FERRAGAMO

ANDY WARHOL SELF PORTRAITAndy Warhol was famous for many things.   As a painter, print maker, record producer, and filmmaker -his vision was revolutionary and avant-garde.   Turning the art world on it's ear and changing the concept of pop art and pop culture, Warhol's subjects and entourage were the first reality.   A cast of characters and references that are still embedded in the psyche of any avant-garde filmmaker or artist today.DESIGNER / FILMMAKER TOM FORD

Warhol's paintings have never been more commercially valuable.   Capitalizing on the state of the Auction market is none other than fashion designer and fledgling filmmaker Tom Ford.   Ford will sell the Self portrait he purchased from the Artist's estate in 1998 through Sotheby's on May 12th.   The portrait is 9 feet square, making it the largest self portrait from the artist.   So chilling it was said to have spooked Warhol himself, the image is unique to say the least.    Estimate:  $10 - 15 Million.

Andy coined the phrase "15 minutes of fame".   The full quote was that "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes".    What an amazing commentary on pop culture, considering what has evolved since the artist's death in 1987.ANDY WARHOL'S FERRAGAMOS   It's as if her knew that celebrity would evolve ( or dissolve depending on how you look at it) into the current "real" housewives phenomenon.  Having died over 20 years ago, it's clear Andy's 15 minutes go on and on and on.

Proof of the Artist's lasting relevance in the creative fields of design is the release of the latest Ferragamo Creations shoe.  The  Italian powerhouse known for basically inventing the designer shoe  has paid homage to the late pop artist and his love of Ferragamo.     Andy Warhol wore Ferragamo shoes... every day.    One style in particular became part of his wardrobe when he was creating in his famed "Factory".   The Salvatore style is unique in that the entire upper is made from one piece of leather.   Warhol's Ferragamos were paint splattered and worn in to say the least.   After the artist's death, the fashion house purchased the shoes from his estate and added them to the permanent collection of the Ferragamo Museum in Florence, Italy.  FERRAGAMO'S CREATIONS SALVATORE ALA ANDY $950  

This Spring Ferragamo is honoring the Artist by adding the style to its archive Creations collection.   This group honors original styles that were custom made for Hollywood legends such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, & now Andy Warhol.  It is the first Mens style to be in the Creations collection.

The Warhol Salvatore will be limited to just 150 pairs and are decorated to look exactly how Andy's looked after he left his mark on them (another first for the Creations group).  

To order a pair of these collectible shoes, or find out more information - contact the Ferragamo Boutique on 5th Avenue - (212) 759-3822

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.