An Enchanted Retrospective in Paris- François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne

I have always have been enamored with art nouveau paintings, architecture, furniture and jewelry; its high art, fantastical and imaginative structure always takes me to a wistful, make believe world where I read philosophical literature in a wired bronze chair engraved with golden rabbits hopping about in leafy tutus, as if dancing about the piece’s legs and arm rests. Classic huh?
French husband-and-wife artists, François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne have constructed such extraordinarily beautiful art nouveau pieces where sculpture and furniture mingle. They have charmed art collectors with their whimsical and sensual sculptures. Friends of the couple include Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Reed Krakoff who all admire his botanical-inspired furniture and elegant way of interpreting the natural world.
In mid March the duo’s work will be showcased at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne’s designs act as a sense of absurdity where bronze sheep will adorn the court yard of the exhibit and animal inspired furniture, include a monkey themed desk, will be displayed for the public.
Their pieces are simply delightful and celebrate an artist’s elegant oblivion to the boundaries of fine and decorative art. I love the special blend of luxurious sensuality and earthy irreverence which truly embodies the Parisian way.

(Source: New York Times)

Serene Saturday... Deep in Reverie

*Sigh* the tranquility of Paris France seems to be constantly flooding my mind lately. Perhaps the spring weather has made the imagery of cobblestone streets, historic buildings and parks much more intriguing. I have simply been overwhelmed with the thoughts of living in such a beautiful city where vintage fashion and unique finds are ample, where the leisurely people and beauty of the city offer a sense to sublimity and appreciation to anyone who visits. How can I make all of these assumptions when never traveling there? I don’t know. I guess I feel a deeper connection with the city that I am unable to deny, a brooding relationship that has always been a subconscious acceptance. Wow, that kinda sounds sexual does’t it? Giggity.
For “Serene Saturday” I am simply day dreaming of a life in Paris where I happily work a meager job as the beauty, literature, art and culture is enough to keep me alive. When I dream of a life where money and material objects no longer seem important, where a good book and walk along a old street where art nouveau has crept into every piece of architecture, that's when I made a conscious decision to make sure whatever I do in my life is something that I love.

The Origin of Art in Paris

While reviewing the prints and patterns for spring 2010 I realized how much fashion reflects every era our earth has experienced; I am not talking just about the 20th century either. The faded colors of ancient etchings and paintings on stone, and the images themselves, are used constantly as inspiration for a unique fabric.
SO, in the midst of this revelation I discovered an interesting cave I wanted to share.

The Paleolithic cave paintings in Lascaux are beautifully crafted works of art that are said to be over 16,000 years old. In the southwest of France there is a complex of caves that consist primarily of realistic images of animals, humans and abstract signs that total over 2000 images.
Discovered in 1940 the cave has been open then closed, then open, then closed again due to damages by the public, air conditioning systems and high powered lights that were installed in the caves for tourists. In 2008 the cave had been closed for at least 3 months for scientific research and preservation.
The images are truly remarkable and varying in size and brilliant colors. The paintings origin are unclear, however, there have been theories ranging from the pictures being constructed from astrological mapping to visions experienced during ritualistic trance-dancing.