"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

"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)

"Shopping in SOHO . . . "

From Michele Varian, New York

Greetings,

While out shopping last weekend in New York - I ran across these wonderful serving trays at Michele Varian's shop in SOHO.  I just loved the combination of classic style - but, with the fantastic whimsy of the illustrations.

The "Pia" Tray

 "Designed to be functional and lifestyle design driven, this magical and fantasy 

inspired tray can be used in a practical function for a most memorable 

tea party or as a beautiful wall decoration. Created from high pressure 

laminate over pressed wood and paper board. 

Measures: 25" in length x 17" in width."

The "Bernardo" Tray

Hop over and have a look at the complete collection,
Scot

"Let's Walk Home Through the Park . . . "

Greetings,

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our first day in New York.  There's nothing like a long walk through Central Park - with a few inches of fresh snow on the ground . . . This city always look so magical . . . .

enjoy . . . .

The temporarily useless park benches . . . adding a sculptural element to the scene . . .

This just reminded me of "The Chronicles of Naria" . . . lol . . .  

The statue of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns  

Cheers,
Scot

all photos, Scot Meacham Wood for "The Adventures of Tartanscot" 

"On Broadway . . . "

Greetings,

Now - just so that you understand - I LOVE great theatre.  It's just something so viscerally exciting - watching extraordinary actors, creating magic out of thin air.  Submerging the audience into another world.  Great sets.  Beautiful costumes.  Amazing creativity.  And sometimes, they even burst into song.

Having just returned from a week in New York visiting my mom - easily, one of the best aspects of our time there was three amazing nights of Broadway theatre.

Often when I'm getting ready for a theatre trip to New York, I think about it almost like deciding on a menu for a dinner party.  It's all about balance.  And pairing tastes together.  Not too many musicals.  Not too many 'big-budget' shows.  Something light and clever to start with.  Something lush a filling for the main course.  And something amusing for dessert.

Here's how the most recent trip tasted . . .

Opening course, "Brief Encounter," by Noel Coward.

Imaginative.  Engaging.  Surprising.

As Mother and I were walking back to our hotel her first comment was, "Can you even *imagine* the first creative meeting.  The first time someone said, 'I know.  Let's use projected movie images, and puppets, and Rachmaninoff.'"
Tickets are available HERE.

Main Course, "A Little Night Music," by Stephen Sondheim. 

Okay.  Seriously.  Last Wednesday night, I sat in a darkened theatre not more than 35 feet from

Bernadette Peters.  And watched as that luminous creature radiated a full range of emotions.  

On a smallish stage.  With a 'rubic's cube' of a set that delighted ALL my architectural senses.

I almost exploded with delight.
Tickets are available HERE.

And for dessert, "Memphis," by

The 2010 Tony Award winner.  If you love rhythm and blues with a little bit of gospel tossed in for good measure, this is the show for you.
Tickets are available HERE.

Yum.  That was tasty.  And a delight.  

We're getting in some great entries in the holiday decorating contest - I'll start sharing a few next week - thank you to those who've already entered - and I encourage the rest of you to get those cameras out. 

Cheers,

Scot