Dear Pennies & Pens,
First off, Happy New Year! I’m sorry for waiting till the middle of January to write my first post of the year, but, I wanted to start the new year off with a bang! And I’m pleased to announce that me & my business partner @CachaLopez interviewed Andre Leon Talley (@OfficialALT) Editor of Vogue’s “Life With Andre” column. Mr. Talley is the curator of an exhibition at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute called “Joaquin Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress.”
Joaquin Sorolla was a famous Spanish Painter known for his “free brushwork” and his “exceptional ability to capture atmosphere” as stated in the press release. The exhibition features paintings by Sorolla as well as costumes and clothing from Spain. The exhibition also features the work of contemporary designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and Alexander McQueen.
The “Joaquin Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress” exhibition is the brainchild of Fashion Designer, Oscar de la Renta who is the Chairman of the Queen Sofia Board of Directors. Mr. de la Renta who is of Dominican descent (like my girl Cacha`!) developed a love for Spanish Culture while studying painting at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid. Mr. de la Renta also began his infamous design career in Spain.
After seeing the exhibition, I must admit I learned so much about fashion, art, & culture. I thought the exhibition was a beautiful combination of painting, costume and fashion design. The exhibit was visually stunning and since I’m a history nerd, I loved seeing the vintage garments. The set design was done by Stefan Beckman whose client list includes Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Cartier, and the Brooklyn Museum. I think Mr. Beckman’s work gave the exhibit a creative and classy layout.
In the video below, Cacha` and I interview Andre Leon Talley and we discuss the exhibition, contemporary Rap/R&B stars Nicki Minaj and Janelle Monae (and Mr. Talley’s love for them), and Mr. Talley tells Cacha`: “I think it’s very chic and modern that you ladies have your own business, website, and blogs. It’s fabulous!” So with no further adieu, I give you Mr. Andre Leon Talley.
And there it is. The Fashion & Style of the Pen…de la Pen.
