"A Tale of Silk and Feathers . . . "

Greetings,  

Last week's visit to New York holds many great memories . . . but, easily one of the most profound was an afternoon visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - to experience the "Savage Beauty" exhibit.  And I use the word 'experience' instead of simply 'viewing' or 'seeing.'  True art should move you.  Should transform you.  Should alter the vantage point from which you see life.

And seeing the retrospective of visionary Scottish fashion designer Alexander McQueen did that exact thing to me.

Alexander McQueen - (1969 - 2010)

“Alexander McQueen’s iconic designs constitute the work of an artist whose medium of expression was fashion,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “This landmark exhibition continues the Museum’s tradition of celebrating designers who changed the course of history and culture by creating new possibilities.”

                                                                        - from the Alexander McQueen Website

The large installation consists of almost a dozen smaller galleries - with various examples of McQueen's work gathered by theme and inspiration more than simply organized by season or collection.  It very clearly highlights many repeating themes that ran throughout his career.  

Following are a several images from the exhibit - as well as some of my all-time
personal favourites from McQueen's runway shows . . .

"Widows of Culloden" Collection, Fall 2006

"Oyster" Dress, Spring 2003

"The Widows of Culloden" Collection, Fall 2006

Savage Beauty Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Savage Beauty Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fall 2006

Spring 2007

Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker, at the
Metropolitan Museum  Costume Institute's Gala in 2006.

"I will always remember him arriving and walking up the steps to the Metropolitan Museum with Sarah Jessica Parker and the two of them were both these two visions in matching tulle and tartan and he was just so excited and thrilled to be there."

                                                -Anna Wintour, Vogue Magazine 

The following video is an amazing tour through the exhibit.  

Cheers,
Scot

"The Antidote . . . "

Lee Jofa Showrom, New York City
(photography by Scot Meacham Wood)

Greetings,

We're having one of those rainy, dreary days here in San Francisco today - and I have the perfect antidote - the new collection of textiles from Lee Jofa by Lilly Pulitzer.  Almost bracingly bright.  Saturated with happiness.  Bursting with flavour.  And all ready for your summer.

I had the great opportunity to preview the collection last week while I was in New York for Blogfest 2011, sponsored by Kravet / Lee Jofa, and it was an excellent antidote to an equally rainy, dreary day that seemed to wrap that city.  

Florals.  Turquoise.  Checks.  Watermelon.  Linens.  Limes.  Textiles.  Trims.  Lemon.  Prints.  Happiness.

Enjoy . . . 

Practically perfect in every way.
Lee Jofa Showroom, New York City
(photography by Scot Meacham Wood)

Lee Jofa Showroom, New York City
(photography by Scot Meacham Wood)

Selection from the new textiles at Lee Jofa, from Lilly Pulitzer.

Seriously, the sun JUST came out here . . . almost in response to my posting.

Wow - the power of textiles,
Scot

"New York City. The First Course . . . "

Greetings,

Did you miss me?  Sorry for the long absence, but I was back in New York last week for the BlogFest 2011 Conference sponsored by Kravet and Lee Jofa . . . and, let me tell you, the event was amazing.  In fact, it was SO amazing - I'm still gathering my thoughts - there's a lot to think about . . . so in the meantime . . . let me offer this . . .

A collection of images from my trip . . . from a gray, dreary couple of days . . . celebrating the beauty of New York City . . . and some great little snacks along the way . . . .

yummy.

Cheers,
Scot

(all photography by Scot Meacham Wood, for The Adventures of Tartanscot)

"Madly Preparing . . . "

Greetings,

We're still swarmed with projects here at the office - but, I know if I keep my nose to the grindstone - my reward will be a few days in New York for BlogFest 2011!  Can't wait.  It's going to be a great experience - and I'm so looking forward to greeting the old friends that I only seem to see at these design events.  Oh, and meeting NEW friends as well.  I've always felt that our 'self-built' community is one of the best parts of this whole design blogging explosion. 

But, in the meantime - I'm having "The Scot Meacham Wood Design Dancers" work up a little number. And we're even having custom tartan dance costumes produced . . . lol . . . (btw - I LOVE this guy - my hope is that we could ALL have this much fun doing what we love . . . lol)

and a 1, 2, 3, 4 -
Scot