May arrives with a flourish as Art Week comes to paint the town in broad strokes. It is a heady, visual whirlwind when the world’s most renowned galleries and artists create an exciting assemblage of iconic places to go and exciting things to see.
First stop must be the Opening Night of TEFAF New York Spring at the Park Avenue Armory. This event partners with The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where Society President Jamee Gregory and her generous and glamorous Chairs preside over an evening of spectacular sips, nibbles and strolls through the magnificent Park Avenue Armory. This night, and for the next four days, the Armory is transformed into a glorious exposition hall of the most prestigious fine art, antiques and design.
Our friend and Art Consultant Vicki Salnicoff gave us her picks: “I am looking forward to the week ahead with the number of art fairs in New York. TEFAF’s display of modern and post war is particularly interesting at the fair while still presenting a strong group of contemporary artists — this year I am looking forward to seeing the works of Glenn Ligon and Rachel Whiteread at Luhring Augustine, the presentation of Jean Dubuffet at Pace and works by Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer at Spruth Mager.”
TEFAF champions the finest art through the ages and from around the world. TEFAF Maastricht deals in 7000 years of art history; TEFAF New York Spring highlights modern contemporary art and design, and TEFAF New York Fall covering fine and decorative art from antiquity to 1920.
And for our what to wear moment, I have been eyeing a selection of “Cocktail Jumpsuits” to try something a little different this season. Fit is especially important when wearing one. To create a long, lean look you may have to tweak it at the tailor. Some gals like theirs to sweep the floor, but I like it about ankle length or shorter. Pair it with platform pumps or sandals to get an even longer look.
Love the mid calf length. Simply statement making!
This feminine floral will definitely need to be hemmed. Just imagine a summer patio party in this flattering and flowing silhouette.
What a gorgeous shade and classic shape! Actually a little shapewear might be in order here.
As Board Member of The Society, Hilary will be among those arriving early to greet the hundreds of friends and art lovers to the festive evening. Hilary followed “suit’ with these two articulate ensembles for day and night. “I love a jumpsuit, and these two literally jumped out at me! A jean jumpsuit seems retro and current at the same time. I think it calls for a platform shoe and a little boho feel in the accessories. As for my evening look, I like adding a bit of bling to this black and white suit. Playing off the white with silver accents keeps it classic but fun. Both of these pieces will be comfortable and easy as I stroll through eyeing the wonderful exhibits.”
Accessories: Oscar de la Renta Flower Hoop Clip Earrings, $390 / Gas Bijoux Hoop Earring, $184 / Gucci Wire Square Sunglasses, $435 / Jimmy Choo Satin Embellished Clutch, $995 / Cult Gaia Bamboo Bag, $258 / Miu Miu Leather Bucket Bag, $1220
Shoes: Miu Miu Embellished slingback pumps, $790 / Aquazzura Baba Suede Platform Sandals, $850 / Aquazzura Platform Printed Sandals, $950
Also this week , Frieze Art Fair opens across the river as throngs swarm across the JFK Bridge in search of the next new thing. A frequent, past sideliner of countless soccer, baseball and lacrosse games on the island, I can say with certainty that Randall’s Island has never looked more exciting.
Vicki shared her itinerary, “I typically take my clients through Frieze on opening day as it is always a promising fair with an exceptional group of international galleries — this year I am looking forward to seeing Olafur Eliasson’s new work at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, Antony Gormley’s work at both Sean Kelly and White Cube galleries and Teresita Fernandez’s work at Lehman Maupin Gallery.”
For what to wear to an evening at Frieze, we kept the jumpsuit focus. Inspired by the edgy art crowd — in black — LBJs, Little Black Jumpsuits which capture the trendy times.
I am obsessed with this jumpsuit. The faux leather makes it very soft and wearable — a day to night piece.
This jumpsuit has Hilary’s name written all over it, with its ruffles sleeves and flared leg.
Wear this with a belt instead of the sash. It is a versatile wardrobe staple.
And wait! There’s more art, happening in every nook and cranny of the city from the West Side Piers on the Hudson River, to the Highline — uptown and downtown. Plan on daytripping to the other venues.
To continue the theme, these day suits are very much in style. Some people are calling them flight suits or work suits because of their utilitarian look. And there is something very chic about the proletariat style. Think Utilitarian Chic.
And just a few more visual treats for your Art Week wanderings. Frieze Sculpture at Rockefeller Center makes its debut this year with works by prominent artists. I find it exhilarating to view pieces in the out of doors.
Then we go down to the High Line to view En Plein Air, examining the tradition of outdoor painting.
Also on the highline, do not miss (as if you could) Simon Leigh’s magnificent “Brick House.”
Still wanting more? Pop back uptown to the Roof Garden at the Met a splendid visual commission by Alicja Kwade.
Part of living in our wonderfully vibrant city is the public’s accessibility to the arts, of every discipline and description. Spring Art Week is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of creativity while discovering works of bold statements and unexpected beauty.
Here are some links to help you navigate your week:
