VIXENS AND SCANDALS HEADLINE BIG APPLE NEWS

By Polly Guerin

SCANDAL, VIXEN and FASHION SIREN HEADLINERS IN THE BIG APPLE

What’s a creature of culture supposed to do when SCANDAL! and VIXEN headliners and Fashion draw crowds to their doors? Take a fast track all around the town and sleuth like a culture vulture. Here’s the scoop!!!

SCANDAL! Financial Crime, Chicanery and Corruption that Rocked America. So what’s new? The Museum of American Finance’s exhibit has it all locked up with William Duer’s role in the Crash of 1792 to Ponzi schemes, to Bernie Madoff and Enron scandals with artifacts ranging from historical newspapers and images to original documents of some of history’s most infamous white collar criminals. Reception open to the public 5-7pm Thursday, April 29. For reservations 212.908.4110 or lseeger@moaf.org.
That Cunning Little Vixen

Lets you explore the rich culture of the Czech forest primeval in Janacek’s opera. With extraordinary inventiveness the composer transformed a daily Czech comic strip into a touching opera about tender relationships between humans and animals in a complete, uncut sung in English version. Bring your mother and receive $5 off the ticket price at the door. Fri., May 7 8pm at St. Ann and Holy Trinity, Brooklyn Heights and Sun. May 9 at Ansche Chesed Synagogue, Manhattan. www.oneworldsymphony.org.

AMERICAN WOMAN: FASHIONING A NATIONAL IDENTITY Opening May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art explores developing perceptions of the modern American woman from the 1890s to the 1940s. The exhibition reveals how the American woman initiated style revolutions that mirrored her social, political, and sexual emancipation plus a multi-media installation. The exhibit starts off with scenes of the great outdoors showcasing the athleticism and physical independence of the “Gibson Girl” 1890s while a mural of New York City illustrates the “”Flappers” 1920s style. Through Aug. 15. www.metmuseum.org.

ECO CHIC-Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion, a related program opens May 5 at Scandinavia House, The Nordic Center in America, 58 Park Ave. (38th St). FREE Through Aug. 21. And the Robin Rice Gallery announces “Body Presenters,” an exhibition of photographs by Kim Reierson with body builders including Arnold Schwarzenegger pumping iron in the 70s. Opening reception May 5th, 5:30-8:30 pm.
Ta Ta darlings, Scandal!!! is tempting, but you’ll find me at the Met fashioning my identity. Fan mail to pollytalk@verizon.net and Blogs: http://www.blogspot.com: amazingartdecodivas, thefashionhistorian and awakenyoursleepingbeauty.

CULTURAL COLLAGES IN THE BIG APPLE (C)

Cultural Collages in the Big Apple (c) By Polly Guerin

April 19, 2010

Cultural collages of diverse menus remind New Yorkers’ of their rightful privilege to access world class openings. Picasso is back, the roof at the MET opens; women in photography get their due and rent a gown on view. Only in New York my friends, only in New York. Here’s the scoop!!!

PICASSO: A landmark exhibition presents 300 works by PABLO PICASSO from the Metropolitan Museum’s vast holdings, opening April 27th. The collection reflects the full breadth of Picasso’s multi-sided genius as it asserted itself over the course of his long an influential career. The works range in date from a dashing self-portrait of 1900 (Self-Portrait “Yo”) by the 19-year-old Spaniard to the fanciful Standing Nude and Seated Musketeer (1968) created when the artist was 87. An unprecedented opportunity to view the artist’s collective oeuvre. Through August 1, 2010.

ON THE ROOF twin brothers Doug and Mike Starn have created a monumental bamboo structure BIG BAMBU for the Roof Garden set against Central Park. Not for the timid this once-in-a-lifetime experience is an amazing interactive installation. Be prepared wear sneakers comfortable shoes and slacks. www.metmuseum.org.

PICTURES BY WOMEN: A History of Modern Photography fills the entire third floor Edward Steichen Photography Galleries at MOMA with photographs comprising more than 200 works made exclusively by 120 women artists including works on view for the first time by artists Helen Levitt, Claude Cahun, Rineke Dijkstra along with masterworks by luminaries including Berenice Abbott, Diane Arbus, Dorothea Lange and Yoko Ono. Museum of Modern Art, MOMA. Opens May 7 www.moma.org.

THE ALBRIGHT FASHION LIBRARY: It’s much more cost effective to rent, rather than buy a gown!!! Irene and Marina Albright own a closet that could make any fashionista swoon. Most likely the largest privately held collection, the Albright Fashion Library serves as a lending library for aspiring actors, stylists, editors and celebrities. The showroom holds 15,000 dresses and 10,000 evening gowns by renowned fashion designers including, Dior, Prada, YSL, Chanel to name a few. With tighter shopping budgets, this place is a woman’s dream come true. Located at 62 Cooper Square.

Ta Ta Darlings!!! It’s a glorious day. Polly’s off to the MET’s BIG BAMBU. Fan mail to info@pollytalk. Blogs: amazingardecodivas, thefashion historian and Edgar Cayce.

FASHION AND ART VIE FOR KUDOS IN THE BIG APPLE (c)

By Polly Guerin

FASHION & ART VIE FOR KUDOS IN THE BIG APPLE

Does fashion imitate art? Does art imitate fashion? New York’s fashion and art inspired venues create dramatic contrasts of cultural competition. From global fashion shows to arty automobiles there’s a plethora of events this week. Here’s the scoop!!!
SOFA NEW YORK
Contemporary decorative art and design in all its unique forms and manifestations takes front the center at the Sculpture Objects & Function Art Fair (SOFA NEW YORK). The exhibition compels the viewer to confront the age-old adage of ‘what is art?’ as it pushes the boundaries of “art” through the use of innovative forms materials and processes. Sixty galleries present international artists and designers. April l6-19 at the Park Avenue Armory, between 66/67 Sts. Fri/Sat. 11 to 7 pm, Sat.noon-6pm, Mon. 11-5 pm. $25 single day, $40 4-day pass.www.sofaexpo.com.

GLOBAL RUNWAY'S NIGHT OUT:
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) in partnership with Misha Nicole presents a spectacular fashion show, Thursday, April 15 starting at 7pm at New York’s hip boutique hotel, The Paramount. The star-studded event presents global designers showcasing their latest collection including Amrita Singh, Naeem Khan, Padma Lakshmi, Payal Singhal to name a few. Expect to see a range of couture gowns, chic knits, impeccably cut dresses, fusion Indian tunics and eclectic jewelry. Buy tickets at http://www.iaac.us/.
THE BMW ART CAR
In the spirit of Calder, Stella, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Holzer, BMW announced that the 17th Art Car created by Jeff Koons will race where the first rolling pieces of art by legendary artists raced—at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, June 12-13, 2010. The resulting graphic conceived by Koons-evocative full of power, motion and light is rendered in the artist’s signature saturated hues on a black ground set against the car’s silver interior. It imparts a dramatic appearance to Koon's race car even when it’s standing still. “These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy,” said Koons. He will also sign his car at Paris’ Centre Pompidou on June 1, 2010, just as Roy Lichtenstein did in 1977.
FASHION AND FILM
A multi-media exhibition revisits the 1960s through the interface of fashion and film and examines how these industries fed off each other economically, aesthetically, and symbolically. The ‘boom years’ in Italy are revisited through in the fashion and film photos in the exhibition hallway. A display of designer fashions include Pucci, Balmain, de la Renta, Galitizine and the Fontana Sisters. FREE At the Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Ave. @ 34th St. through May 1, 2010
Ta Ta darlings. I’m off to see Jeff Koons Art Car then I’ll hop over to the Paramount for the Global Fashion show. Fan mail to pollytalk@verizon.net. For breaking news check amazingartdecodivas, thefashionhistorian, sleepingbeautyedgarcayce.blogspot.com.

EPICUREAN TREASURES IN THE BIG APPLE

By Polly Guerin

April 5, 2010

EPICUREAN DELIGHTS IN THE BIG APPLE

Bon Gusto!!! Dining in New York is an epicurean’s fare and price shouldn't give you a scare. Fine dining in posh digs, my favorites I share with you. Here’s the scoop!!!
ROSA MEXICANO, a swanky atmosphere, upbeat atmosphere. A “must have” is the irresistible guacamole, made at the table, the waiter carves out the fresh guacamole adds chopped onions, tomatoes and hot spices, a tasty concoction served in earthenware bowls. Quench your thirst with a pomegranate margarita. Located at 1063 First Ave. (58th St.) 212.753.7407

SMORGAS CHEF at The Scandinavia House Museum in Murray Hill, 58 Park Ave, bet. 37/38th sts. main floor, lures in diners with fine tuned pristine fare including Swedish meatballs with Loganberry sauce and smashed potatoes, salmon sandwiches and a host of delicious tastings and desserts. Sit under the branches of a white birch tree with birds aloft and enjoy an affordable meal, fixe prix lunch under $15. 212.847.9745.

THE THREE-MARTINI LUNCH The Morgan Dining Room in The Morgan Library & Museum pays homage to that famous classic cocktail, the Martini, a nostalgic, perfectly divine libation. A regal tray is presented with three two-ounce martinis, which are essentially mini-tinis, each served in miniature cocktail glasses, one glass dressed with olives, one with cocktail onions and the third with a lemon twist. $10, a bargain. American dining at its finest. Admission to the museum is not required to dine at The Morgan Dining Room. 225 Madison Ave. (at 36th St.) 212.683.2130.

LA STRADA 57 is a neighborhood gem near the Time Warner Center and affordable dining for pre-Lincoln Center events. The $14.95 fixe prix 3-course lunch is a bargain. I started with ginger carrot soup, divine taste, then Tilapia fish with grilled vegetables, and for dessert sorbet and coffee. I was not disappointed. Of course you can also order from the menu. Located at 315 W. 57th St. (bet. 8th/9th aver.) 212.757.1620.

IL BASTARDO a popular Chelsea Tuscan restaurant serves excellent affordable meals in a comfortable atmosphere. Sharing is okay when you order several dishes. We started off and shared the poached eggs, but did not eat the mound of tasty potatoes (on a diet) then had a spinach salad followed by hefty cheese grilled hamburger…all this with a fine red wine, recommended by the waiter, ending with coffee and lemon, mango and pomegranate sorbet. 191 Seventh Ave. (bet. 21st/22nd Sts.) 212.675.5930.
Ta Ta darlings, I’m off to a Three Martini Lunch and obviously I will not be returning to work this afternoon. Fan mail to pollytalk@verizon.net and do take a minute and visit my blogs at blogspot.com: amazingartdecowomen, thefashionhistorian and awakenyoursleepingbeauty.