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Some Signs of Spring and a Museum Visit

 Our trip to California had two purposes. The first was to visit with people that we love. We knew that we had accomplished that goal while we were still in california. The other purpose of our trip was to skip those long and draggy days of winter when it feels like winter will never end.


Our second goal was accomplished as well.






The bulbs in our tree pits have emerged from their winter bedding and will soon begin to bloom. Spring arrived while we were away.

Yesterday, I had an appointment not too far from FIT so I went to visit their museum.

The upstairs lobby was showing a lovely exhibit organized by students. As promised it was filled with glittery things.



I especially loved this draped sarong skirt worn by Gypsy rose lee and designed by Bonnie Cashin.
I never would have expected this particular combination of  client and designer. Bonnie Cashin is known for her simple, uncomplicated almost utilitarian (yet luxurious) garments.  Gypsy Rose Lee is best known for her stage dress (or undress). I would so wear this skirt, and it resembles some skirts that are currently in my closet.

The upstairs galleries, aside from the lobby, were closed. I went to the downstairs exhibit space.



Usually, I love the exhibits at FIT.  

I found Fashioning Wonder to be just plain annoying. There were many wonderful garments


 on display. I just found the whole premise of the exhibit to be a bit tortured.








usually the FIT exhibits are glorious. An over view of a designer's career or an understanding of a concept or a technique or a material over a long period of time. This was just a tortured little concept (that isn't even true) and an exhibit built around that weird concept.

The clothes were beautiful but  I hated the exhibit
.

Individual objects were great-- like this Fortuny dress 


which is rolled and twisted as it is normally stored. 



The exhibit is free so I didn't have to feel cranky about spending money to be irritated. 



Tonight is Purim. Enjoy!




During my late mother in law's later years when we lit Chanukah candles she would begin singing Oy Chanukah  in Yiddish. That would inevitably turn into a mash-up with Haynt iz Purim . I can't hear either song without hearing my mother in law singing her holiday mash-up.

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