Lady Agnew Unframed
On the last days of February, it was a quick easyjet hop, skip and jump from Inverness to London then Paris, to capture three exhibitions, first hand. I had to see them for myself, yet again. Especially as there were actual dresses on show, alongside the paintings, at Tate Britain.
For me, John Singer Sargent’s extraordinary portraits are significant. With both Madame X, and Lady Agnew images featuring on my own “go-to” formal dresses, they have been worn more times than I can remember. They fit every occasion, and my every whimsical mood.
Seeing the original dress belonging to Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth was a revelation, and surprisingly unlike the painting. Sargent didn’t shy away from artistic license, when it came to composition or colour, declaring the coat IS the painting, should you ever question his alteration!! A greige crocheted underdress resembling chainmail, was embellished allover with irridescent beetle shells. The red velvet faded full length cape was embroidered with corded motifs, and fastened at the neckline with more rope type tassels. The most exquisite smokey quartz gold brooch which reminded me of the Louise Bourgeois spider, sat high at the neckline, then a garnet necklace. Altogether, a picture to behold.
The first garment on entry, is a black silk taffeta full length cape with tulle collar andsilk rose centre front fastenings. Several portraits followed, all clad in formal black attire. Then, more exquisite frocks, but this time in pink, some with embroidery, or a deep lace collar. Some sixty paintings, all expressing elegance personified.
Exit London.
Hello Paris, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation for an eleven gallery intake of Rothko, that is hard to put into words, except to say, truly magnifique. Seeing the canvas nose-up, and not just a paper publication, made the experience so much more alluring.
Dash next, to the Alaia Foundation in the Marais, to see Alaia and Madame Gres and consume more exquisite engineering of dresses. It was easy to see how Alaia was inspired by the architecture of the humble frock. The last time I saw him in person was at the launch of his perfume at Corso Como, Milan. I don’t think I was supposed to be there. The girl with the list, didn’t ask for my name.
You have to learn some tricks in this trade. Till the next story time, au revoir.