When a new exhibit hits the Phoenix Art Museum, what better way to celebrate than with a fabulous Italian-themed garden party?
The La Dolce Vita Garden Party was a free event held at the museum on November’s First Friday. There was something for everyone at the Italian-themed extravaganza held in celebration of the museum’s new exhibit, “Gianfranco Ferre: The White Shirt According to Me.”
RELATED: A Tailored Place: Panel gives intimate look at life of fashion icon Gianfranco Ferre
Obviously, my first stop at the event was the Gianfranco Ferre exhibit, which I hadn’t yet seen. It sure was stunning — a large room with black walls provided the perfect contrasting backdrop to the rows upon rows of ornate white shirts, from simple blouses that looked fit for the workplace to voluminous get-ups that looked like they were plucked straight from the Victorian era. The room was dotted with glass-encased sketches, providing an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the shirts.
The exhibit will be open until March 6, 2016, so you have some time to check it out, something I highly recommend.
Occurring in another corner of the museum was a presentation by designers from the Art Institute of Phoenix, who showcased their own white shirt designs, a modern yet equally romantic take on the Gianfranco Ferre creations. Models strutted around donning the ensembles of 14 designers, accented with black skinny jeans, sky-high heels and thick belts. Sheer fabrics and sleek button-ups were simultaneously wearable and artistic, a neat way to honor the striking Gianfranco Ferre exhibit.
Other activities related to the exhibit included a craft table where kids could color their own portraits of Ferre. Young art and fashion fans were also welcome outside, where children frolicked around colorful mini-couches and fabric spots on the grass.
There was a lot of activity buzzing outside, where a screen was set up to show 1960s film La Dolce Vita at 7 p.m. A table provided free butter and caramel popcorn, and a coffee bar by Infusion Coffee and Tea served espresso and other sweet treats. Strung-up lights projected a glow from the trees, and the Italian music playing made me feel like I had hopped on a flight and gone straight to Florence.
The entertainment didn’t stop there. Continuing with the fashion theme of the night, models rocking metallic silver and neon-orange stood powerfully near the museum entrance, modeling bold apparel from Rare Scarf Vintage.
Also situated at a table was Female Fashion Movement, an organization designed to empower women in the community through fashion, which sounds like a cause I could definitely get behind.
Four models representing Fashion by Robert Black also mingled around the museum in jewel-toned gowns by Norma Kamali.
“People have been really interactive, and wanting to know more about what we’re doing here and really excited about the white shirt exhibit and just the fashion event that’s happening tonight,” said model Nicole Carter-Lyde.
A business card for Fashion by Robert Black boasted the statement:
“Fashion should always make the heart beat just a little bit faster!”
I would have to agree.
Contact the columnist at lallnatt@asu.edu
