Monday, March 30, 2009

Finding Fashion

Accidental discoveries at the Norton Simon Museum.

I was not prepared for the immense volume of art at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. The collection boasts a wide range of art pieces from prominent artists such as Van Gogh, Zurbaran, Degas, Matisse, Rodin, to mention a few.

As I walked through the galleries, I realized that the collection is a rich source of fashion inspiration.  Here's a sampling:




(Patience Escalier by Vincent Van Gogh)
A  jaunty little summer hat for spring/summer.



(Harmony in Blue by Henri Matisse)
On Trend for 2009: Sheer!



(The Black Shawl by Henri Matisse)
On Trend for 2009:  Lace!




(Autumn: Chestnut Gatherers by Georges Lacombe)
Perfect for Fall 2009 color palette.




(Saint Francis by Francisco de Zurbaran)
Hoody!




(Homage to the Square by Josef Albers)
Hermés recently did a scarf line based on Alber's work.




(Jeanne Hebuterne by Mondigliani)
Jeanne was Mondigliani's wife and frequent model.  Mondigliani died at age 33 from tubercular meningitis and the next day, Jeanne threw herself out of their 5th storey apartment.  She was nine months pregnant with their child.




(Detail from works by Tocqué, left and Rubens, right)
Lovely rich fabrics and embroidery.




(not identified, sorry!)
Wear it now: Bubble skirt!




(Music by Jean-Honoré Fragonard)
Her yellow dress is on trend for color and she's trying to rock the one-shoulder look but either she's having some fit problems or she's an exhibitionist.





(Portraits by Rembrandt, left and Verspronck, right)
On Trend for 2009: Ruffles!





(Joerg Fugger by Giovanni Bellini)
I love this collar treatment!





(Baron de Mortarieu by Ingres)
This is the hottest guy in the museum!  Love the crisp tailoring and I'm still trying to figure out the collar.  This guy eventually became mayor of his town and the medals were painted in later.





(Young Man with Red Beret by Jan Lievens)
The proper way to wear a kaffiyeh.





(Ragpicker by Edouard Manet)
Dressing like this was anathema in the 19th century, but this is totally acceptable today.  I mean, maybe clean denim  jeans and a crisp white shirt.  Viva boho chic!



The Norton Simon has a great detailed website, click here.

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