Orange by Angela Chen Fall Winter 2010

From the moment the first model stepped onto the runway, I knew that Angela Chen was my kind of designer. An elegant silk blouse in cream and a draped black skirt is a staple in my wardrobe and I wanted to cheer.

The collection was a symphony of black, cream and gray, the wardrobe of many sophisticated urban women. Actually it reminded me of New York, where colour simply does not exist.

Although there was a variety of day and evening looks, I have to say my favourite pieces were for evening. There was a stunning skirt that I could see myself wearing to the opera or ballet.

And there was also a beautiful dress which should be in my closet.

It was a sophisticated, elegant and wearable collection.

LG Toronto Fashion Week

 Photo credit: LG Toronto Fashion Week Website

The sun in shining on Toronto during LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris.  In its 12th year, this event brings together fashion designers, buyers, media and fans. And I can hardly wait to make my debut covering the Orange by Angela Chen show tomorrow afternoon. Angela is one busy girl and I've not been able to get a pre-show interview. But perhaps after she's caught up on her sleep, I'll be able to feature an interview here.

Pleasure Point at the MCASD in La Jolla

Although New York wears the crown of the contemporary art world, sometimes smaller regional galleries can provide a more intimate and friendly experience with art. That is definitely the case for the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art which has a top notch collection of contemporary art in two locations, one in downtown San Diego and the other in nearby La Jolla.

Currently on display is a show called Pleasure Point: Celebrating 25 Years of Contemporary Collections.  The title is derived from the museum's showcase piece by artist Nancy Rubins (2006) of nautical boats lashed together to create a site-specific sculpture (shown in the photograph above). Also on display are other works in the museum's collection including works by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Hans Hoffman, Cindy Sherman, John Currin, and Damien Hirst.

Although I just missed a retrospective of Tara Donovan's visually arresting organic installations using toothpicks, paper cups and other non-traditional sculpture materials, I had a long conversation with one of the security guards about her installation. When would that ever happen in New York?

Pleasure Point: Celebrating 25 Years of Contemporary Collections
San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
February 20 to May 16, 2010
858-454-3541