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Monday, September 20, 2010

A Bit of the Big Apple

I returned last night from a weekend trip to NYC with my sister. Unfortunately, we were not there for fashion week but our weekend included lots of fashion.

We attended an amazing exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibit titled, "Notorious and Notable: 20th Century Women of Style" was a feast for the eyes. It included jewelery and gowns worn by many amazing women of New York from 1800s to present. There were so many beautiful pieces I can't show you all of them. Two of my favorites were a diamond, platinum and pearl necklace owned by Edith Bouvier Beale and a gown called the "Tissue of Diamonds" owned by Lauren Bacall.

Before Edith Bouvier Beale became notorious in Grey Gardens she was a well known socialite, model and cabaret performer. She once owned this beautiful necklace.

The delicate detail of this necklace can't be captured in a photograph. It's stunning.

This dress by designer Norman Norelle (created in 1963), is owned by Lauren Bacall. Dubbed the "Tissue-of-Diamonds" dress, it is made of black silk net over peach, crepe-back, silk charmeuse. The crystal brilliants on the black silk net were attached entirely by hand!  The true artistry and precision of this gown is staggering.



Thanks to my sister for suggesting this exhibit.  If you'd like to see it for yourself, it's running until January 3rd.  If you love fashion and will be in New York, it's a must see. Go to their website for details: Notorious & Notable: 20th Century Women of Style. The exhibition includes women from all walks of life (socialites, business women, writers, actresses,and performers) and time.

I will post more from our NYC trip soon. I got some great thrift and vintage finds!

Photo credits: Museum of the City of New York