By Beth Topping
In the world of design, it’s not unusual for creative worlds to collide in unabashed inspiration. Whether it’s music that gives rise to fashion or visual arts that inspire architecture, our imaginations fly when boundaries are dissolved, risks are taken and bold moves are made.
What IS unusual, is when it all happens in one night, with some of the world’s most renowned designers, architects and artists sharing their work with the rest of us, sometimes stretching beyond their known professions.
Ever wonder what jewelry from architectural team Marmol Radziner would look like? What about a belt inspired by artist John Baldessari? Or a linen jacket designed by architect Richard Meier? A dress by Karim Rashid?
Believe it or not, this amazing event IS happening. You can even OWN some of these amazing pieces. Oh, and have I mentioned it will also be a fantastic party?
On Saturday, March 10, A+D Museum presents their annual fundraising gala, Celebrate: The Wearable — where fashion meets all sectors of design. The evening event will include a runway show and a live auction of wearable creations from more than 40 distinguished leaders in architecture, design, fashion, graphics and visual arts. There are no limits to design or materials, so the level of creativity is immense, with participating designers including Trina Turk, Wolfgang Puck, Chase and many LA architects including Frederick Fisher, Steven Ehrlich, Predock Frane.
Of course, the big star is the A+D Museum, since the proceeds will benefit and support their innovative exhibitions and programming. The evening is hosted by pop-culture humorist and self-described Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix , with a little help from KCRW’s own Frances Anderton, producer and host of DnA. KCRW DJ Raul Campos , a big design aficionado himself, will also be on-hand to lend his talents on the ones and twos.
After browsing a preview of some of the designs, I had to give you a sneak peek of some of my favorites:
Eric Corey Freed, Climatewear™ Daytime Helmet: As an organic architect, Eric Corey Freed looks to the year 2050, when venturing outside requires protection from UV rays and the unpredictable and unstable climate. Pure vision and style.
Eric Kahn, Black Evening Dress: With this flowing evening gown, contrasting materials are explored — black silk organza structured with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber cord. The fusion of the natural and the highly synthetic is extraordinary.
–Elsa Mora, Frida Kahlo Necklace: Made from acid-free paper, this delicate necklace was inspired by Mora’s love of Frida Kahlo and one of Kahlo’s paintings. It’s intricate and detailed and a work of art in its own right (see picture top).
Marmol Radziner Jewelry: Solid bronze rings and bracelets that are industrial -remnants-turned-architectural jewelry. They are basic yet bold and hold patinas that will change and develop over time.
And speaking of artists, I have heard on the down-low that Moby will be among attendees at this year’s Celebrate event. Moby studied architecture before forging a path in music and is now writing a terrific architecture blog, offering a very personal take on the buildings and places that intrigue him now that he’s taken up residence in LA (he’s a great photographer, too). The blog appears to be simply an expression of a love of design.
This is all good enough reason you should pick up a pair of tickets to Celebrate — for the love of design and supporting one of the few cultural institutions in L.A. that loves it, too. That Baldessari belt might look pretty darn good with my little black dress. . .
This Giveaway is over ! Congratulations to our winner Wilson Tru!
However – how about a pair of tickets on us! We’ll select one lucky reader to reward with a pair of tickets to this incredible evening of design. Just drop us a comment below!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: Two tickets to attend the A+D Gala Celebrate 2012: The Wearable
How to Enter: Leave a comment, and then send your friends back over to give you the thumbs up! The comment with the most number of likes will win the tickets.
Deadline: The comment with the most number of likes by the end of the work day (read 6pm) on Tuesday, March 6th will get the tix. Please leave your email in the appropriate box so we can contact you with details!