This weekend proved inspiring…and exhausting. I boarded Caltrain at 11:30am on Saturday and didn’t return home until a little after 8pm! The excursion was well worth the time spent, as the de Young Museum is currently hosting an exhibit of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s greatest creations, curated by Hamish Bowles, no less.
As Balenciaga and Spain was a special exhibit, no photography was allowed. Despite this customary practice, such a display of technical prowess and marked ingenuity won’t soon be forgotten. As patrons wound their way through elaborate evening dresses, bold coats and cheeky little hats, each moment was pleasantly punctuated by whispered adorations, reverent silence and gasps of delight. Unbeknownst to me, even Madame Chanel recognized Balenciaga’s talent and influence, deeming him “the only couturier.”
If you’ll be in the Bay Area soon, I do recommend stopping by de Young. The Balenciaga exhibit ends July 4, 2011. Also I must mention that the Legion of Honor Museum is currently exhibiting “Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle Borchgrave” through June 5, 2011. Ms. Borchgrave is renowned for her elaborate “couture” costumes- constructed entirely of paper! Reminiscent of Borchgrave’s work are these paper cut wigs I saw on the Neotraditionalist blog last month. An incredible feat within themselves, the wigs are no match for Borchgrave’s ensembles!
I ended the evening with a dinner of samosas and palak paneer at Masala Indian Cuisine on 9th Street, and boarded the Caltrain, tired and happy, for my return home.
In closing, I hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday; I know I did. Stanford Memorial Church was a lovely sight on Sunday morning, which I promptly followed up with brunch and a long nap.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
