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

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE - IT'S A BODY!

The latest art exhibit in Madison Square Park has some New Yorkers and tourists alike staring up at the building ledges that surround this oasis on 23rd street.   Acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley makes us think about our sense of space and place here in NYC.   Gormley has positioned 31 life size forms of himself in bronze and fiberglass in and around the park.   Most on building ledges.   Titled Event Horizon, the project gives you the effect of a sort of a out of this world visitation - almost like an alien invasion.   Others have thought it was distraught New Yorkers trying to end it all.   According to the New York Post, 911 has had several calls from concerned pedestrians who were confused by the forms.   The Post asked Mayor Bloomberg if he felt the sculptures should be removed as not to cause panic.   Bloomberg had a very rational reaction, which is par for the course.   The Mayor said "absolutely not",  reason being he continued, "you want an attraction that generates buzz and draws tourists to experience the art".    As usual, he is right.  

Madison Square Park is one of the most regal parks in NYC.   The last 5 years has seen the addition of multi-million dollar apartments all around the park.   The fashion crowd has also been drawn to the Ace Hotel that is just a few blocks north of the Park.   That end of Flatiron is affectionately called NOMAD - or North of Madison (Square Park).   Thank the future NOMAD luxury hotel for NY's latest Acronym!

MADISON SQUARE PARK AT DUSKTo learn more about art projects in the park - visit-  Madison Square Park   Come and see the bronze aliens now through August 15th.   See if you can find all 31!  Think of it as a high end - Where's Waldo!

DEEP FREEZE IN LAS VEGAS - CITY CENTER - ICED

GLACIA FOUNTAIN - CITY CENTER, LAS VEGASWith the cold snap that is sweeping across the Northern hemisphere, you can almost take that headline literally!   However, the ice I'm referring to at City Center is man-made all the way.   With all the sights and sounds to catch your attention at the stunning new Crystals Luxury Retail Center, one that stopped me in my tracks was Glacia.   Designed by the world renowned fountain design masters at WET, Glacia, is an out of this world experience.  This outrageous creation sends giant ice forms 15 feet into the air.  GLACIA - SURROUNDED BY LUXURY FASHION

If you know Vegas, you already know WET's work.  They are the team behind the fountains of the Bellagio and the Mirage Volcano.   Emerging from a pool of water, the ice of Glacia is not like any you have ever seen.   The ice formations are carved as they rise from the depths of the pool, creating unique shapes and contours much like you would expect to find in some outer space cavern.   The ice forms disappear as they melt, only to start the process all over again.  Glacia looks like it was designed to be on some relay station in deep space for the movie Avatar!   While the silence and beauty of the ice forms are also what makes it so powerful, I'm told that Grammy winner Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is creating a "tonal poem" that will accompany this visual work of art.   Surrounded by David Rockwell and Daniel Libeskind 's vision of the ultimate shopping experience, Glacia has perfect synergy with the entire Crystals Complex.  

If you plan a visit to Las Vegas, you must spend a day at City Center.   I promise, the 67 acre complex on the Vegas Strip will leave you speechless!