Bling, Punk and Light: A New York Staycation
We decided to spend the July 4th holiday in my hometown of New York.
The heat was oppressive, and after a walk through Central Park and lunch in the Plaza Food Court, we headed for the Museum of Arts and Design to see Fashion Jewelry: the Collection of Barbara Berger. So extraordinary is this exhibition that Assouline has published a book on the subject - 450 pieces of vintage Chanel, YSL, Balenciaga, and Dior, among pieces from contemporary jewelry designers. My friend, David McFadden curated this exquisite collection from 4,000 bijoux de couture from 40 years of international flea market finds.
The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum is showing PUNK - Chaos to Couture, an exhibit that mixes safety pins, bugle beads and strategically placed holes and tears. Featuring designs for men and women, iconic punk garments from the mid-1970s are juxtaposed with recent haute couture and ready-to-wear. Exploring the relationship between the punk concept of 'do-it-yourself' (DIY) and the couture concept of 'made-to-measure,' the show is organized around the materials, techniques, and embellishments associated with the anti-establishment style.James Turrell’s Guggenheim exhibit, his first in a New York museum since 1980, explores light, color and space. Aten Reign, viewed from the museum's rotunda, is an ambitious project of shifting artificial and natural light. With its 60's love-in vibe and spiritual allure, it's the perfect antidote to PUNK. The crowds are literally lying on the floor staring up at the changing 'sky.'
The Spotted Pig in the West Village lives up to it's claim of having the best burgers in the city. Fatty Fish on the Upper East serves wonderful Asian-style dishes including a sushi pizza .At Birdland Jazz Club in the West 40's, we listened to the American jazz guitarist, Dave Stryker and his amazing band. In the rain, we walked the High Line at night, that verdant mile-long linear park built on a section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad. Then on to Hudson River Park in the morning, and to Battery Park by water taxi. Loaded with great memories of seeing friends and enjoying the greatest city on earth, heading back now to Georgetown, my other hometown.
Written by Bonni Braverman of Bonni Braverman Interiors, LLC.