PERRIAND: AHEAD OF HER TIME

Charlotte Perriand  (1903 – 1999) ,  a pioneer of  interior architecture,  was brought to "life" again in Malaysia recently. Hosted by the Shalini Ganendra Fine Art gallery, the exhibition was very much appreciated by Malaysian art lovers. Sadly, the exhibition ended on the 20th of May 2010.

1. How did the exhibition come about?  

SGFA was invited to participate in the French Film and Arts Festival. Because of our emphasis on contemporary art and design, we thought it appropriate to introduce to audiences here the work and story of Charlotte Perriand, who has been, until now,   overshadowed by male colleagues of her time.  

2. In your opinion, what fascinates you about Charlotte's work? 

Her determination and dedication to creating functional and elegant design.

3. She lived in Japan for several years building a dogma - the "volumetry of space."  Can you explain further?   

In the simplest sense, Perriand used the design of furniture (bringing it closer to the ground), textures (such as wood design) and the structure of the interior space itself, such as openings for light, murals etc.  to create  three dimensional and planar perspectives and interaction with the space.

4. Is it possible to buy her work? Will it cost an arm and a leg?     

One of her pieces  (a set of shelves)  sold at a Sotheby's contemporary design auction for US $45,000. 

AN ACQUIRED TASTE?

The big dilemma: when it comes to shoes do you skimp on style for comfort or do killer four-inch heels commit crimes against your sole? Croc’s Spring Summer 2010 collection will please the urban trotter – not only does it look good...it feels good…

Crocs. I thought I would never wear one. Ever since the shoe that looks like you’re wearing holey cheddar cheese (unfortunately I was given a yellow one for a present) was invented…I stayed away from the brand. Some may say it’s an acquired taste…not for every fashionista? But after another chance encounter at a Croc’s Spring Summer 2010 fashion event – I became a convert…I ended up buying 3 pairs of shoes…

My personal favourites are the trendy plain Hanalei wedges (with no flower designs but the playful flower designs are actually the latest to come out in the market) and the McCall ballet flats (not pictured) …but anyhow, do check them out at a Crocs store near you…(an industry insider professed that the One Utama branch have the best models)…

Also watch out for the ABF (Almost Barefoot) Flip Men, Women and Slide Pro Models.  

By The Editor

EMPORIO ARMANI SPRING / SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION

By The Editor

AN AFTERNOON WITH TED

On a hot Malaysian afternoon, Media’s usual suspects were treated to a bird’s eye view of Ted’s latest offering for Spring Summer 2010. Expect bold colors, tropical floral prints and easy-to-wear preppy shorts to name a few...

Fuchsia: the color that most testosterone-packed male would be too scared to wear was actually used in the menswear collection and to add more bite – checked shirts were tucked underneath an effortless tailored coat that seemed cool enough to wear for a balmy evening.

For the girls, expect flirty fun and poppy cluster prints. Colors galore – hues of Tangerine oranges, cornflower blues and lawn greens will give any wardrobe added fun. On the flipside, there was a black and white dress that one model sashayed in that seemed like something Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl would wear (yes, I love BW…can't you tell?)

The dress doesn’t shout - it’s versatile and romantic.
The apple of my eye? The bleached denim and leather jackets – not pictured unfortunately. Now, where did I hide my credit card again.

By The Editor