Fashion Conversations: Impossible

Although it did not repeat the success of last year's McQueen exhibit, which shattered attendance records and was so popular the museum extended its run twice, the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibit at the Met was exquisite in my opinion. It closed August 19, so I just made it in the nick of time when I visited NYC for an extended weekend.

I had never heard of Elsa Schiaparelli, whose relatively short-lived fashion house closed in 1954. However, the similarities in their designs, approach to fashion, and attitude were unmistakable. The clothes on view were fun and whimsical, while the video element of Schiaparelli (played by Judy Davis) conversing with Prada added a fascinating and technological touch. Watching as these two alpha females sat at a long, dramatic table and listening to them compare life stories was like being a fly on the wall.

There is no question both have (and still are) leaving their footprint on the world of fashion. You can read more about both designers in this NYTimes article.