EMMA TAPLEY AT FISCHBACH GALLERY

WUTHERING HEIGHTS / MOBY DICK - EMMA TAPLEYNew York based artist Emma Tapleyhas a connection with nature that her biography might belie.   When most people think of artists from New York, they might think avant-garde or modern art presented in non-traditional mediums.   However, a constant theme in Tapley's work is in fact nature.   Trees, leaves, puddles, and grasses, all find there way onto her canvases.   The interesting thing is that although there is a sense of serenity and calm in her work, somehow there is an overwhelming feeling of power.  Like nature itself.  The Fischbach Galleryin Chelsea (NYC) has a brand new show of Ms. Tapley's work opening November 8th.  Fischbach has a loyal following of devoted art collectors that truly appreciate the talent behind every painting.   Fischbach truly believes in nurturing artists, often representing them for decades. 

If you visit the Fischbach Gallery, be sure to make a day or at least afternoon out of it.   The HighLine is just steps away.   A perfect place to go after a gallery visit.   CookShop is a favorite restaurant of celebrities and locals for its hardy and locally harvested menu.   The Chelsea Market also offers a huge assortment of food, sweets, and shopping opportunities.   If you visit on a sunny day, by all means visit the newly restored and beautiful  Hudson River Park.   Of course, the best thing about NYC is that you don't need to make plans at all.   An amazing day can unfold itself just by walking down the street, that's New York!

J. LOHMANN GALLERY AT ARTHAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR

The SANDRA DAVOLIO PORCELAIN VESSEL AT J. LOHMANN GALLERY recent Fine Art Fair in Brigdehampton in July proved to have an upbeat mood.  The ArtHamptons fair seems to have built a loyal following of serious collectors and casual viewers creating a great social mix.   Great art and great people watching - both pastimes are rarely surpassed outside of New York, and especially in the Hamptons.

One standout exhibitor has become a show favorite.   J. Lohmann Gallery (NYC) consistently presents pieces that stop you in your tracks.   His curating skills are fine tuned, and his choice of artists - a true talent in itself.   He is the exclusive gallery in the U.S. of Ceramist Sandra Davolio (Italy & Denmark). 

Davolio has an amazing ability to create vessels that mimic nature.  They somehow feel like undiscovered coral reefs from some underwater cavern on another planet.   They are stunning, and Lohmann's eye for selecting the most unique items to showcase in his collection is a delight to experience.    Be sure to see J. Lohmann Gallery during the next exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory in September.   Click image above to see more.

ANSELM REYLE FOR CHRISTIAN DIOR

ANSELM REYLE - MIXED MEDIA SCULPTUREOne of the hottest artists at this years Art Basel in Miami displayed his work on a most unusual medium - Christian Dior handbags.    Berlin based artist Anselm Reyle was tapped by Delphine Arnault to design a capsule collection of Dior classics.  Reyle covered all accessories from shoes, to bangles, to bags,ANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR in his signature modern designs awash in color and camo.  Dior signature caning is oversized and asymmetric, and the results are awesome.  The collection that Reyle has created has a Warhol like quality to it, colorful and irreverent, with just enough classic Dior details.

While I'm excited to see Christian Dior creating some much needed positive public relations, I'm saddened that this brand is still left languishing on the vine.  Long before John Galliano had his public meltdown and left Dior, the brand had lost it's lustre for all but it's most dedicated fashion clients in North America.   My worry is that while business mogul Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH and Christian Dior, holds on to Dior as a trophy in hisANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR WALLET luxury crown, he lacks the vision needed to truly foster a Couture house like Dior.  PURPLE CAMO BANGLE - REYLE FOR DIOR

Many industry insiders fear that Mr. Arnault has the same formula planned that he created at Louis Vuitton.  Arnault took control of the storied luggage house and expanded it's reach across the globe.   By lowering average price point and increasing category range, Mr. Arnault was able to turn a small luxury collection into a multi-billion dollar brand.    American designer Marc Jacobs was made creative director and quickly partnered with modern artist Stephen Sprouse. DIOR PLATFORM BY ANSELM REYLE  Sprouse would make graffiti covered LV bags a must-have and it helped change the brand image and make it one of the hippest in the accessory world.  Marc Jacobs also launched RTW at Louis Vuitton, but it is given little attention from luxury shoppersANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR CAMO COMPACT.   Shoes also get the cold shoulder for the most part.  At LV, it's logo mania on bags and wallets, and there has never been a greater demand globally for a resin coated canvas product.   However, Dior is so much more than just a bag collection.  Christian Dior revolutionized the fashion industry with his talent in construction and draping.  His "New Look" would be the inspiration for designers from the late 1940's to this day.  It is such a waste of a legacy and a legend to relegate the Dior brand to just bags and shoes.  Dior is so much more than just a bag collection.  ARTIST - ANSELM REYLE  Christian Dior (the Collection) deserves to represent the finest designs in the Couture and RTW world.  An avant-garde designer needs to be chosen as the new creative director and given the control he or she needs to re-launch this iconic brand.

Enter Anselm Reyle for Dior.   While it seems like an exciting new project, when you look at the history of LVMH, it seems more like a calculated formula that has been played out before. 

Let's hope Christian Dior can once again become the most exciting RTW collection in the industry.  Bernard Arnault has the power to do just that, if he will allow it.