Summer Fashion Calendar
Shopping
by Christina Parrella and Mallory Passuite, 05/21/2013
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Along with warm temperatures and bare-shoulder styles, summer in NYC also promises new exhibitions, events and store openings. Vogue contributing editor André Leon Talley discusses his new book, Little Black Dress, all about the eternal fashion staple, at Barnes & Noble; Dolce & Gabbana's ornate three-story flagship debuts on Fifth Avenue; and the Museum of Arts and Design showcases jewelry collector Barbara Berger's one-of-a-kind couture pieces—the sort of stuff that will make bauble-heads swoon. New stores to shop include Warby Parker and Personnel of New York, and there are plenty of bargains at the Rachel Zoe sample sale. Check back regularly for information about additional sales, shows and other happenings.
Events
Exhibitions
Stores & Sales
Events
Ongoing
Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of Bergdorf Goodman with this new documentary. The epic department store has been a venerable Fifth Avenue institution for more than 100 years, and a slew of celebrities, fashion designers and clientele in the documentary will tell you why. The Bergdorf narrative is told through interviews with the Goodman family, fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin and celebrity clientele from around the world. The documentary is playing at Angelika Film Center, The Film Society of Lincoln Center and City Cinemas 1, 2 & 3 in limited release. Check facebook.com for theater information.
May 26, June 11 and 23, July 21 and 31, August 6 and 18, September 4 and 15
Free Fashion Center Neighborhood Walking Tours
Explore New York City's Garment District during this one-and-a-half-to-two-hour tour, led by Mike Kaback. You might visit a private showroom, a sample sale, Mood Designer Fabrics and more, all while learning about the neighborhood's historic background and importance. The tour—which starts at 10am on weekdays and 2pm on Sundays at the northeast corner of Seventh Avenue and West 39th Street—is free, but reservations are required; you can make them by emailing mikesnyctours@yahoo.com. For additional tour dates, visit fashioncenter.com.
June 5
Reading Room Author Series: Lauren Weisberger
Lauren Weisberger, the author who famously took a swipe at the fashion industry and Anna Wintour, her former boss, in The Devil Wears Prada, returns with a follow-up to her first novel. Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns tells the story of protagonist Andy, who, eight years after leaving Miranda Priestly's Runway, has founded her own bridal magazine, The Plunge. Weisberger will read from her book starting at 7pm.
June 6
Oscar de la Renta with Fern Mallis
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., 212-415-5500
Fern Mallis spends the evening interviewing haute couture designer Oscar de la Renta for what's sure to be a no-holds-barred discussion. The opinionated designer, who worked closely with John Galliano on his most recent collection, has dressed everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Beyoncé. His seasonal couture and ready-to-wear collections are lauded for their feminine and striking pieces. The interview begins at 8pm in the Kaufmann Concert Hall.
June 10
André Leon Talley: Little Black Dress
Barnes & Noble, Union Square, 33 E. 17th St., 212-253-0810
Vogue contributing editor André Leon Talley will discuss and sign copies of his new book, Little Black Dress. The book reviews the history of the wardrobe staple, featuring versions by designers as diverse as Coco Chanel, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler and Yves Saint Laurent. The signing begins at 7pm.
June 27
All the Brilliant Facets: Power, Collecting, and a Lifetime of Personal Style with Barbara Berger
The Theater at Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777
In celebration of Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger, the Museum of Arts and Design hosts a talk with the collector herself and guest curator Harrice Miller. Berger and Miller will expand on the couture collection, the power of jewelry and how at age 13 a pair of Chanel earrings transformed Berger's life. The conversation begins at 6pm. Following the event, Berger will sign copies of her book, Fashion Jewelry, The Collection of Barbara Berger.
Exhibitions
Through June 2
Keith Haring's Pop Shop Tokyo
The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400
Known for his bold illustrations, Keith Haring was one of NYC's most groundbreaking street artists. In 1986 he opened Pop Shop on Lafayette Street to sell branded items like buttons and T-shirts. Two years later, he opened an international branch in Tokyo in two shipping containers joined together to create one large space. A rotating display of the objects sold at Pop Shop Tokyo is now on display at The New-York Historical Society. The former ceiling at the New York Pop Shop location is also hanging over the admissions area in the museum.
Through June 2
Wear It or Not: Recent Jewelry Acquisitions
Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777
Highlighting the Museum of Arts and Design's latest jewelry collections, Wear It or Not: Recent Jewelry Acquisitions showcases 130 pieces from artisans including Kat Cole, Mari Ishikawa, Jeremy May and Iris Nieuwenburg. Objects such as an acrylic-and-resin bracelet, LED-and-glass necklace and Belgian porcelain plate are on display.
Through June 16
Spectacle: The Music Video
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Queens, 718-777-6888
While music videos are older than MTV, the network is credited with fostering the rise of the genre. MTV launched in 1981—debuting with "Video Killed the Radio Star," ironically enough—an era when it played only music videos, all day. Spectacle, the first museum exhibition to study the art and history of the music video, reviews the genre's golden age with interactive installations featuring selections from artists like David Bowie, the Beastie Boys and Björk.
Through July 28
Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced
The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., 212-534-1672
You can still find his latest collections reviewed on style.com, but Stephen Burrows is best known for his work in the '70s. The Museum of the City of New York reviews that period of the designer's oeuvre, featuring slinky dresses in bold colors and made of metallic fabrics. The designer began to garner acclaim soon after graduating from FIT in 1966. He opened Stephen Burrows World at Henri Bendel in 1970 (and again in 2002), and he regularly dressed the likes of Cher, Lauren Bacall, Liza Minnelli and Jerry Hall.
Through August 14
PUNK: Chaos to Couture
The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710
Following last year's more traditional Prada-Schiaparelli show, the Met's Costume Institute show this year takes punk as its subject matter. Original pieces from the mid-1970s will be shown alongside recent couture inspired by the movement's aesthetic. Iconic faces and places will be highlighted, from New York's CBGB to Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's boutique in London. Designers featured include Westwood, along with Ann Demeulemeester, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh and more.
June 25–September 22
Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger
Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777
Avid couture jewelry collector Barbara Berger may have one of the most-wanted collections around. The Museum of Arts and Design displays Berger's collection, which includes custom-made necklaces, brooches and bracelets from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior—all meant to be worn with haute couture clothing. Her collection is further highlighted in a new book, Fashion Jewelry, The Collection of Barbara Berger.
Through September 29
Front Row: Chinese American Designers
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., 212-619-4785
This exhibition explores the history and impact of New York's Chinese-American fashion designers, including Derek Lam, Wayne Lee and Vera Wang. In addition to highlighting their work, the exhibition looks at the societal and cultural changes that affected their work.
Through September 29
Shanghai Glamour: New Women 1910s–40s
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., 212-619-4785
Early 20th-century Shanghai clothing is the focus of a new exhibition at the Museum of Chinese in America. The exhibition, which consists mainly of dresses, features 12 pieces borrowed from the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou and is presented in three themes: femme fatale (glamour and danger), femme savante (educated new women) and femme du monde (society women).
September 13–January 4, 2014
A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk
The Museum at FIT, Seventh Avenue and West 27th Street, 212-217-4558
There's no denying the tremendous impact gay male designers have had on the fashion industry. Yves Saint Laurent gave the world Le Smoking suit (the first women's tux); Cristóbal Balenciaga created the baby doll dress; and Alexander McQueen's avant-garde designs and exotic runway shows have inspired a slew of would-be designers. A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk explores the contributions gay fashion designers have made to the industry. The exhibition showcases more than 100 pieces, displayed in chronological order, that focus on subjects including androgyny, idealism and styles that might be considered socially unacceptable.
Stores & Sales
Ongoing
Bergdorf Goodman Presents From Chaos to Couture Celebrating the Costume Institute Windows
In collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2013 Costume Institute exhibition Punk: Chaos to Couture, Bergdorf Goodman presents its own nod to punk style and influence in its windows, featuring mannequins with mohawks, studs, spikes and lots of leather. Runway looks (and archival pieces) from labels like Balmain, Libertine, Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens and Alexander McQueen are highlights of the display.
June 20–23
Rachel Zoe Sample Sale
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave.
Stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe's sample sale features clothing reduced up to 70%. The sale runs from 10am to 7pm.
September 15
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target
Known for his classic silhouettes, structured bags and use of neutral hues, fashion designer Phillip Lim will launch a capsule collection for Target days after his Fashion Week show commences. The line, which Lim describes as "wardrobe for the modern-day citizen with their multifaceted, multitextural lives," will feature everything from T-shirts and handbags to gowns and leather jackets, with prices ranging from $20 to $300. The collection includes pieces for men and women.
Recently Opened
Best Made Co.
36 White St., 646-478-7092
Started in 2009 by designer Peter Buchanan-Smith, Best Made Co. took one of the oldest and most employed tools in the world—the ax—and made it as fashionable as it is functional. Featuring brightly painted handles and razor-sharp blades, these custom axes are the focal point of the line. The outdoorsy brand also sells apparel, accessories, tools and enough camping gear to outfit a lifetime of wilderness living.
Dolce & Gabbana
717 Fifth Ave., 212-249-4100
Known for its overstated, ornate and colorful clothing, Dolce & Gabbana is inspired by the energy and tradition of Italian life. In this mammoth, three-floor flagship, that sentiment is apparent through its display of Venetian glass chandeliers, gilded full-length mirrors and vintage baroque sofas. The store features a floor dedicated to men's and women's apparel, as well as shoes and accessories. It also carries D&G staples like lace frocks, mini leopard dresses, sheer blouses and a vast range of clothing from its ready-to-wear collections.
Kate Spade
789 Madison Ave., 212-988-0259
Since starting her namesake label in 1993, Kate Spade has gone from selling basic nylon handbags to building a line that includes apparel, handbags, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, home decor and even swimwear. Like her colorful, girlish line, Spade's new three-floor Madison Avenue flagship is undeniably cute. Decorated in a palette of sherbet colors, the store is covered with bows, hydrangeas and glittering baubles. The 7,900-square-foot space also houses a VIP salon, bar and Spade's exclusive Madison Collection, which retails for 25 percent above Spade's average collection prices.
Personnel of New York
9 Greenwich Ave., 212-924-0604
Located in the former location of vintage shop Zachary's Smile, Personnel of New York sells brands from both East and West coasts including quirky New York line Dusen Dusen and eco-friendly LA label Industry of All Nations.
Warby Parker
121 Greene St., 646-568-3720
Retro-inspired eyewear line Warby Parker expands from e-commerce and showrooms to a permanent retail location in SoHo. Over 250 pairs of finely crafted acetate and titanium frames for both men and women are displayed on shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling.
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