If you are like me and swoon when you hear the name
Schiaparelli, you must find you way to Toronto's
Art Gallery of Ontario and see the
Surreal Things show before August 30, 2009.
This exhibition, which was curated by
Ghislaine Wood of the
Victoria and Albert Museum, surveys the contribution of surrealists to fashion, design, photography, advertising, architecture, and theatre.
From the moment I walked into the gallery and took in the display of the fantastical ballet costumes designed for Les Ballet Russes by
Giorgio de Chirico in 1929, I was grinning from ear to ear.
Why had no one mentioned that fashion, costumes and jewelery were an integral part of this world class exhibit? I'm sorry that I did not go sooner.I was blown away to stand in front of
the bird cage and
wooden mannequin from Schiaparelli's Paris storefront as well as twelve of her couture designs, including the infamous
Skeleton Dress which features padded quilting to emphasize the ribs and spine. I almost fainted when I noticed the delicate sketches by
Salvador Dali for his collaboration with Schiaparelli for the
Skeleton Dress and the
Dress with Drawers.
Other highlights in the exhibition included the Horst photo called
Girl with Mainbocher Corset (1939), and the Man Ray photo called
Model in a Dominguez Wheelbarrow (1937) where the model wears a Vionnet evening gown.
There was no doubt in my mind after seeing this exhibition that the surrealists were well acquainted with glamour and fashion. I bought the book
Surreal Things (cover shown below) and intend to read it carefully before going back for another look-see. There is also a
video clip on the ago website with an introduction by the curator.
Join me if you can. You won't be disappointed! By the way, this exhibition originated at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2007 before travelling to the Museum Boijmans Van Reuningen in Rotterdam and the Guggenheim Museum in Bibao in 2008. Toronto is its final stop!
Art Gallery of Ontario317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario
1-877-225-4246 or 416-979-6648
But if you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself.
I want to be this enchanting creature from the cover of the Fall 2009 Holt Renfrew catalogue! Ooh la la! Just imagine wearing head to toe Alexander MacQueen....
I've been taking lounging about lately trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and one of my favourite summer indulgences is reading historical fiction. I love to be transported to another place and time as I was in the novel The Glassblower of Murano.
I just found out that the Art Gallery of Ontario has decided to extend the run of the Surreal Things show until September 13th, which means that there are a few more weeks to get my fill of Schiaparelli and all things surreal.
One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art. (Wilde)
The truly fashionable are beyond fashion. (Beaton)
Carelessness in dressing is moral suicide. (Balzac)
Blossom Sleeve Bolero and Balloon Dress, Spring/summer 2005 by Isabel Toledo
Half Moon Blossom into a Cornflower, Fall/Winter 1998 by Isabel Toledo