BEYOND QUILTS AND WEATHERVANES
An upcoming exhibit of “Folk Couture” was previewed when the American Museum of Folk Art held its annual gala. At the sold-out evening, more than 300 cocktail sipping guests saw a video sneak peak of provocative ensembles that 13 designers are creating drawing inspiration from artwork in their collection. John Bartlett, Catherine Madandrino, Ronaldus Shamask, Koos van der Aker, Yeohlee are among the participants whose work will go on display at the museum in January 2014.
top right: Tim Gunn emcees; bottom middle: Art Honoree Valerie Steele
Laura Parsons, Chairman of the museum’s board described the project as an “exciting marriage of the creativity of young fashion designers with the imaginative use of the Museum’s art.” “Project Runway’s” Tim Gunn introduced the evening honorees, Dr. Valerie Steele who is director and chief curator at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum and stylist and consultant Lucy Sykes Rellie.
Honorary Chairs Valentin and Yaz Hernandez
Among those enjoying the art, filet mignon or maple-glazed Chilean sea bass catered by Apogee events, and towering glass centerpieces were honorary chairs Yaz and Valentin Hernandez, Berry and Hayley Bloomingdale, Amy Fine Collins, Daphne Guinness, Coco and Arie Kopelman, Jerry Lauren and Iris Love. www.folkartmuseum.org
HOME MADE TREASURES
The Martha Stewart American Made Awards were presented at a huge party in Grand Central Station’s Vanderbilt Hall with half the space focused on purveyors passing out locally sourced snacks across from vendors selling stationery, leather goods, jewelry and other all-American creations.
Among winners cited by Martha and her co-host Andy Cohen were cut-out paper crafts from SVGCuts in Chicago, Spoonflower which has devised a way for consumers o use the internet to customize their own wallpaper and textile designs, the mushroom growers of Back to the Roots, innovative hydroponic gardeners Archi’s Acres, Shinola which manufactures watches and bicycles in Detroit. Style Award winner was Pinnell Custom Leather. Operating out of an antebellum railroad depot in Crozet, Virginia, the leather artisan makes custom bags, belts, holsters; all individually cut and sewn.
A bonus of the evening was the opportunity to glean some entertaining tips direct from Martha. Little bits of crispy bacon perked up the mixed nuts, beef jerky was flavored with chilies, lemon and other spices, and skewered vegetables poked out of a grassy tray, and soups were served in adorable hollowed-out vegetables. www.marthastewart.com/americanmade
