Fashion and High Society
Head to The Museum of Arts and Design For The Fabulous World of Anna Sui
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrated the opening of its latest exhibition, The World of Anna Sui, during New York Fashion Week on September 10, 2019.
The major retrospective of iconic American fashion designer Anna Sui features seventy-five looks from the designer’s archive – from her groundbreaking inaugural fashion show of 1991 to her Spring 2019 collection – and illuminates Sui’s creative process and influences that contribute to her signature aesthetic sensibility. What is here is a marvelous retrospect of styles, making you crave yesteryear.
Brenda Vaccaro, Anna Sui, Mickey Ateyeh 
Fern Mallis, Anna Sui Photos by David X Prutting
Hosts Michele Cohen (MAD’s Board Chair), Chris Scoates (MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director) and Jane Holzer welcomed guests. “We are thrilled to present The World of Anna Sui at MAD,” said Scoates, “Anna represents the best of American design and this exhibition of her work epitomizes the Museum of Arts and Design’s vision of pushing forward new multidisciplinary interpretations of craft, design, culture and technology.”
Sui, surrounded by friends including Zandra Rhodes, Garren, and Fern Mallis said “It’s great that the exhibition is now in New York, my home town! It’s wonderful that all the people I’ve been working with over the years can come together and reminisce about the body of work we’ve produced. The experience is very emotional for me.”
Hundreds filled the Museum for the opening including Chairmen Emerita Barbara Tober MAD Board Members Michael Dweck, Jerry and Simona Chazen, Laura and Lewis Kruger, Linda Plattus, Andi Potamkin, Malini Shah, and Barbara Waldman as well as guests Mickey Ateyeh, Andrew Bolton, Brian Bolks, Bob Gruen, Alva Chinn, Francisco Costo, Karen and Eric Erickson, Jesse Frohman, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Michele Hicks, Susan McKagan, Thomas Miller, Bill Mullen, Brenda Vaccaro, Stuart Vevers.
But make no mistake is Sui’s amazing collection that takes up two floors.
Sui is one of New York City’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers, known for creating contemporary original clothing inspired by in-depth research into vintage styles, cultural arcana, art history, graphic design, European and Asian decorative arts, film, and more. Sui joined New York’s creative cultural underground at a rich time in the 1970s, forging important, lasting relationships in the worlds of fashion, photography, art, music, and design.
The World of Anna Sui will be open at The Museum of Arts and Design, in New York City’s Columbus Circle, from September 12, 2019, through February 23, 2020. Arranged thematically, The World of Anna Sui is driven by Sui’s thirteen design archetypes—Rock Star, Schoolgirl, Punk, Nomad, and Surfer, to name a few—that are infused with seemingly incongruent influences, including French interior designer and antiques dealer Madeleine Castaing, the London boutique Biba, pirates, pre-Raphaelite maidens, Yves Saint Laurent, and Minnie Mouse. The garments, sketches, mood boards, videos of runway presentations, and cultural ephemera on view trace Sui’s eclectic career and illuminate her creative process.
The inspirations
On view will be fashions worn by Sui’s personal style icons Anita Pallenberg and Jane Holzer, as well as favorite inspirational clothing designed by Zandra Rhodes, Norma Kamali, and Betsey Johnson.
Hallmark outfits from Anna Sui collections also will be represented in the exhibition, from the “Backless Chaps” worn by Naomi Campbell in the Fall 1992 runway show to the “Silver Peruvian Ensemble” from Spring 1994 to one of the iconic “Babydoll Dresses” worn by Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington. All looks featured will be shown in context with the original backdrops from Oliphant Studio used in Sui’s arresting fashion shows. Mood boards from Anna Sui’s Fall 2019 “Poptimistic” collection, direct from the designer’s studio, will illustrate Sui’s creative process and give visitors an insider’s view of how each collection is developed.
Anna Sui’s collections take people on a creative journey that is unparalleled in the world of fashion. Mixing vintage inspiration with current cultural obsessions, she effortlessly designs hip and exuberant original clothing. Anna Sui’s first fashion show in 1991 earned her international acclaim. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized Anna Sui with its Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent in 1993, and honored her again in 2009 with the prestigious Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Anna Sui’s products are sold in over 300 stores in 30 countries. The Anna Sui line also includes her very popular fragrance and cosmetic collections, as well as successful footwear, eyewear, and jewelry licensees. Anna Sui designs and manufactures directly from her New York City studio. Her runway shows continue to inspire and set trends through her signature lens. The Anna Sui brand has been independently owned since its inception in 1981.
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. Since the Museum’s founding in 1956 by philanthropist and visionary Aileen Osborn Webb, MAD has celebrated all facets of making and the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Today, the Museum’s curatorial program builds upon a rich history of exhibitions that emphasize a cross-disciplinary approach to art and design, and reveals the workmanship behind the objects and environments that shape our everyday lives. MAD provides an international platform for practitioners who are influencing the direction of cultural production and driving twenty-first-century innovation, and fosters a participatory setting for visitors to have direct encounters with skilled making and compelling works of art and design. For more information, visit madmuseum.org.
I so want this dress
The shoes I covet.
The “Backless Chaps” worn by Naomi Campbell. Thomas Miller, Anna Sui’s personal assistant, told me a hilarious story about how Anna wanted butterfly tattoo’s on all the models that year. Tattoo’s were not popular back then and these were the press on type. Anna not wanting other males to touch her models, had Thomas apply them. When the picture of Naomi and her tattoo made the fashion magazine, Thomas’s father saw it in the barbershop and told all who were there, that his son was responsible.
The museum has gone all out for this exhibit with painting the elevators to match Anna’s logo, to a gift store filled with wonderful gifts.
This is one exhibit that will have you dreaming of fashion. Or at least pick up one or two of her newest designs.
Fashion and High Society
The Different Types of Hosiery and Stockings Available: Tights, Leggings, Socks, and More
If you’re like most people, you probably think of hosiery as one type of product. But the truth is, there are many different types of hosiery available on the market today. Tights, leggings, socks, and more all fall under the category of hosiery. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of hosiery available and what makes each type unique. So whether you’re looking for something to keep your legs warm or wanting to add a little bit of style to your outfit, read on to learn more about the different types of hosiery!
Introduce the topic of hosiery and stockings, discussing the different types available on the market
Hosiery and stockings have been an essential fashion accessory for centuries. Today, stockings are available in a wide variety of styles to fit different occasions, from classic sheer stockings that adorn bridal wear, to bold and textured stockings designed to pull an outfit together. And don’t forget the garter belt! Traditionally used to hold stockings in place, it can now be seen as a style statement of its own. Whether you’re looking for a bit of something sexy or you simply want stockings with a high-end feel and appearance—there’s something for everyone in the hosiery market these days.
Talk about tights, leggings, socks, and other types of hosiery in detail
Hosiery is a term used to describe stockings, pantyhose, tights, and socks. It comes in many shapes and sizes to fit the needs of individuals and is available in an array of colors and styles. Tights are typically skin-tight garments, made out of thicker fabrics such as nylon or spandex, which can be worn by both men and women. They come in full-length versions or footless varieties. Leggings are similar to tights but often times have a more tactile feel since they can be composed of materials like velour or cotton. Stockings are usually held up with a garter belt that goes around the waist; stockings are also generally lighter in weight than tights or leggings. Lastly, socks can range from ankle length to knee high depending on what they’re intended for; they come in all sorts of materials too—knit wool during cold months or lightweight cotton when it’s warmer outside. Hosiery is an incredibly diverse product that adds fashion flair to any outfit!
Offer tips on how to choose the right type of hosiery or stocking for an outfit
When choosing stockings or hosiery for any outfit, there are several factors to consider. The first step is to decide which kind of stockings will work best with the look you’re trying to achieve. Opaque stockings can add warmth in colder weather as well as adding an air of sophistication and class. Sheer stockings offer much more range when it comes to building a look for any occasion, along with leg support, depending on the fabric chosen. For special occasions, stockings and garter belts can be an exquisite way to finish off your desired aesthetic with a hint of glamour and flirtation. If a traditional look isn’t what you have in mind, there are many other options available; fishnets, lace stockings, and colored stockings are just a few of the most popular types that buck up any tried-and-true style. Thinking carefully about what will work best for you and when it comes to accessories like stockings is essential in creating looks that show off your individual style and personal flair.
Discuss the benefits of wearing hosiery or stockings
Wearing stockings and hosiery can provide many practical, aesthetic and health benefits. These garments can keep your legs warm and protect from the elements when worn under clothing, helping to minimize chafing and create a more comfortable experience. They add an extra touch of elegance to any outfit, whether it be formal or casual. Additional coverage for stockings is provided by garter belts as they hold stockings up securely without sagging. This extra layer can help improve circulation throughout the lower body, reduce discomfort related to varicose veins, and prevent leg swelling. With all these positive qualities, stockings can be an integral part of any wardrobe!
Share ideas on how to style different types of hosiery and stockings
With so many styles of stockings and hosiery available, it can be difficult to know how to style them for everyday wear. The key is to find stockings that allow your individual personality and fashion sense to shine through. Try pairing stockings with a slim-fitting skirt or dress for an elegant look, or stock up on sheer tights in bold colors for a more playful outfit. For an extra touch of glamour, try combining stockings with a garter belt for an unforgettable nighttime ensemble. No matter what style you decide upon, you are sure to be ready to rock any hosiery look with confidence.
This blog post provided a comprehensive overview of stockings and garter belts. We discussed different types of stockings and highlights the sheer stockings with garter belt combo as one of the most popularly worn stockings set. Additionally, it went over some of the reasons why stockings are so popular, mainly for style, confidence, and comfort. As stockings have had a long history in fashion – from classical elegance to modern-day style – this post concluded by emphasizing that stockings and garter belts add warmth and glamour to an outfit and should still be part of today’s fashion.
In conclusion, when it comes to hosiery and stockings, there are a variety of options available for any woman to choose from. Tights, leggings, socks and even fishnet stockings can complete any look with ease. With the help of certain tips and tricks on how to choose the right type of hosiery or stocking for an outfit, adding a touch of sophistication and style can be achieved. What’s more, wearing hosiery or stockings has many benefits such as supporting legs while still looking fashionable. To inspire women to make the most out of their wardrobe choices and keep up with the latest fashion trends, styling different types of hosiery and stockings in unique ways can go a long way. All-in-all, understanding the power that hosiery and stocking have when it comes to dressing stylishly is key when making any clothing purchase.
Jose Castelo Branco, Errol Rappaport and Leesa Rowland Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Actress, Philanthropist, and Author Leesa Rowland celebrated her recent cover on New York Lifestyles Magazine at neighborhood hotspot Il Tinello East in New York City. The feature, covering several pages of the latest issue her photographed at home with an insightful interview about Leesa’s multi-verse of interests.
Photo credit: Michael Ostuni/PMC
Leesa’s most recent book, The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life, published by Hatherleigh Press, seeks to understand how to harness charisma. Her book identifies charisma as an unseen, yet powerful force that has many different facets. Charisma is a special and compelling spark that makes you unique and sets you apart from the rest of the crowd, and it is something all people possess–whether they are aware of it or not. which is available in bookstores and online.
Leesa Rowland (Photo credit: Michael Ostuni/PMC)
Errol Rappaport, Leesa Rowland Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Cassandra Seidenfeld/ Errol Rappaport Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Notable attendees included: Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Marc Bouwer, Krissy Ross, Aaron Paul, Nadja Sayej, Benny G Bello, Nicole Noonan, Steven Knobel, Cagri Kanver, Dawne Marie Grannum, Erick Shervington, Jose Castelo Branco, Olga Ferrara, Elena Gibbs.