The Mint Museum announces the “Year of Fashion”

The Mint Museum, long renowned for holding one of the largest and most significant Fashion Collections in the Southeastern United States, will celebrate the art form with its upcoming “Year of Fashion,” the museum announced today to attendees of its annual gala.

Weston M. Andress, chairman of the Mint’s Board of Trustees, issued a proclamation declaring the “Year of Fashion” to 400 attendees at the sold-out Coveted Couture gala, an annual fundraising event permanently devoted to celebrating the Mint’s collection, conservation, study, and exhibition of fashions both historic and contemporary. The “Year of Fashion” will span the museum’s next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and continuing through June 30, 2018.

“Today we celebrate the Mint for delivering relevant and compelling exhibitions and programming that engages all members of our diverse global community, and we are thrilled that we will be able to introduce new concepts of art to our community through this year-long focus on fashion,” Andress said.

“Fashion design is like kinetic sculpture, and leading couturiers are like master architects who build with fabric and applied elements using the body as armature,” said Annie Carlano, Senior Curator of Craft, Design, & Fashion at the Mint. “Our relationship with fashion is both universal and personal; fashion reflects the times we live in and who we are.”

The “Year of Fashion” will center around three exhibitions to be on view throughout the year, and is also accompanied by a major financial gift provided by loyal Mint supporters Ann and Michael Tarwater. In honor of his wife Ann, Michael Tarwater has given a lead gift to launch a Fashion Initiative at Mint Museum Randolph to enhance the storage, study, exhibition, and development of innovative immersive programs around fashion in years to come. “The Tarwaters believe the Mint should be the fashion leader in our region – and beyond.  They see fashion design as one of the most engaging and meaningful art forms, with rich aesthetic and cultural associations, and a gateway to understanding style through the ages.  They are dedicated to making Charlotte a great city for all, and that includes robust support for the arts. With this lead gift for a dynamic fashion presence at the Mint, Ann and Michael are giving back to the city that has been their home for more than 30 years, and we cannot thank them enough,” said Carlano. Further details of the Fashion Initiative will be made public during the coming months.

The three exhibitions to be hosted at the Mint are:

·         William Ivey Long: Costume Designs 2007-2016. On view at Mint Museum Uptown from September 23, 2017 through June 3, 2018. North Carolina native William Ivey Long is one of the most renowned theatrical costume designers working today. Since the beginning of his career in the 1970s, he has designed over 70 Broadway shows, has won six Tony awards and received 15 nominations, and has earned many other honors and accolades. The exhibition will explore William Ivey Long’s most recent work, from 2007 to today. It will focus on his process, featuring sketches, swatches, mood boards, and other preparatory materials in addition to the costumes themselves. The exhibition, co-curated by Carlano, and Rebecca Elliot, Assistant Curator for Craft, Design, & Fashion, will provide visitors with exposure to this form of art and allow for comparison of the different goals of theatrical costume and fashion.

·         Charlotte Collects: Contemporary Couture and Fabulous Fashion. On view at Mint Museum Randolph from October 14, 2017 through early 2018. This is the first of a series of Craft, Design, & Fashion exhibitions featuring significant collections and collectors in Charlotte. Curated by Carlano, Charlotte Collects is an exhibition that takes an intimate look at important fashion designs in the collections of several fashion leaders in our community. From exquisite bespoke creations by couturier Giambattista Valli, to the innovative designs by Issey Miyake and elegant minimalism of Jason Wu, the exhibition strives to present a wide range of 21^stcentury fashion through the personal stories of each of these collectors, with the goal of both celebrating these women, and building excitement for the future of fashion at Mint Museum Randolph.  Informative and dynamic, the installation will include runway videos.

·         An exhibition of fashion designs by Oscar de la Renta, scheduled to be on view in spring 2018 at Mint Museum Randolph. Organized in close collaboration with the House of Oscar de la Renta and the designer’s family, the exhibition is curated by André Leon Talley, former American editor-at-large for Vogue and a lifelong friend of de la Renta. It is scheduled to debut at the Mint next spring following its recently announced run at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston this fall. It is anticipated to contain fashions made during the span of his career in Spain, Paris, and New York. The Mint hosted the late designer for a fashion show fundraiser organized by the Mint Museum Auxiliary in 2011.

Wells Fargo Private Bank has signed on as presenting sponsor of both the William Ivey Long and Oscar de la Renta exhibitions, as well as serving as lead sponsor of this year’s Coveted Couture gala. “Wells Fargo Private Bank is pleased to help the Mint present these signature exhibitions to the community,” said Jay Everette, Community Affairs Manager, Wells Fargo Foundation, and co-chair of this year’s Coveted Couture gala. “The intersection of art, fashion, costume, and design offers incredibly rich content and concepts to explore through both exhibition presentation and community programming.”

“The Mint thanks Wells Fargo, the Tarwater family, the Auxiliary, and all of the hundreds of other individual, corporate, and foundation sponsors who make possible our ability to continue to present these groundbreaking exhibitions to our community,” said Carlano.

The Mint also announced Saturday that the next Coveted Couture gala will be timed to coincide with the opening of the Oscar de la Renta exhibition, and will be co-chaired by Charlotte fashion industry leaders Laura Vinroot Poole and Perry Poole. More information on the plans will be available later in 2017 at mintmuseum.org/gala.

ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM

The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative museum of international art and design committed to engaging and inspiring all members of our global community. Established as the first art museum in North Carolina in 1936, The Mint Museum has grown to include two dynamic facilities, Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph, and currently boasts one of largest collections in the Southeast. The Mint proudly offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via its renowned collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and scholarship.

Mint Museum Uptown houses an internationally renowned Craft + Design Collection, as well as outstanding collections of American and Modern & Contemporary Art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 175,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's dynamic center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium; the Lewis Family Gallery; art studios; a museum shop, and a critically-acclaimed restaurant, Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth.

Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood as the state’s first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the Art of the Ancient Americas, Decorative Arts, Fashion, European and African Art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop. For more information, visit mintmuseum.org.

Invite Only Cabo starring Celeb Hairstylist, Larry Sims!

Get ready for summer with new series “Invite Only Cabo,” starring göt2b brand ambassador and celebrity hair stylist Larry Sims. Premiering Sunday, May 14 at 9 pm ET/PT the docu-series follows Larry and six of his closest friends as they take on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for the vacation of a lifetime. Please let us know if you would like göt2bproduct samples or to include Larry’s hairspiration, tips, and tricks in any upcoming stories!

For a sneak peek, please visit: http://www.bravotv.com/invite-only-cabo/season-1/videos/your-first-look-at-invite-only-cabo

Larry Sims Bio

Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Larry started his career as a dancer and choreographer before making the change to celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador.  He’s always on the move and has built up a successful client roster with Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah and Tracee Ellis Ross, among others.  With an outgoing personality, Larry is the guy everyone wants to be around, but is impossible to nail down.  He hasn’t taken a vacation in over five years and hopes by putting his eclectic group of friends under one roof, that he can successfully blend different parts of his life together. 

Vinebox | Wine-by-the-Glass Subscription Service

Get excited--National Sauvignon Blanc Day (April 24th) is just around the corner! I want to introduce you to literally the coolest subscription box ever! Vinebox is the first wine-by-the-glass subscription service and whether you are looking for an unique Mother’s Day gift idea or you are a wine fanatic and love the idea of getting top-of-the-line wine delivered to your front door, I hope you will keep the brand top of mind!

As background: Vinebox was founded by Matt Dukes and Rachel Vodofsky who wanted to find a way to bring sampling of small, European wine producers to the masses. It’s not as easy as you might think, bringing this quality of wine to a smaller package. They used a closed-nitrogen environment to prevent the wines from ever coming in contact with oxygen. The use of inert gas allows the wines to maintain their complete bouquet, flavor profile and mouthfeel throughout the fractionation process. Once the wine settles in its new home, it’s stable with no flaws, for up to three years.

How It Works: 3 spectacular wines are delivered every month. Obsessively selected by our team of sommeliers. Patented technology and by-the-glass bottles. This is not your standard wine club; it's a new way to wine. Pricing $25/month (for annual subscription). You can also select to receive 6 glasses per month if you’re interested in sharing with your partner. 

Vineyard Partnerships: These wines aren’t available at your local store. This is the stuff that you stumble across on a backroad trip through Tuscany, the gems that local restaurants save for a special occasion. Some of the renowned regions you will sample include Burgundy, Barolo, and Bordeaux with more than 1,000 years of winegrower experience, these exclusive wines have never before imported to the US.

Earth Month Tips for Water-Conscious Design in the Garden! -xo- Teryl Designs

Leading Westside Los Angeles Gardenista Teryl Ciarlo of Teryl Designs, working with current clients such as Actress Jordana Brewster and other LA socialites, has gathered her Top 10 Tipsfor Water Conscious Design to help us conserve, think smart and pretty, for your own personal outdoor oasis.

“Gardening an hour a day keeps the doctor away – did you know that gardening and working with soil reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mental health and raises endomorphin levels?  Another great reason to get your hands dirty!” says Teryl.  

Earth Day tips for Water Conscious Design in the Garden

..Whether you have a lawn, patio or want to start your first mini garden!

1. Be conscientious with your sprinklers

Staying on top of your irrigation is always important, but it’s crucial in a drought.  Overwatering is unnecessary, and easy to avoid.  30% of the average American family’s water use is devoted to lawns and gardens, so turning the sprinklers off when it rains can really add up quickly.  When it isn’t raining, water in the early hours of the morning to reduce evaporation

2. Catch rainwater and air conditioner condensation with stylish rain catcher planters

There are so many stylish rain catchers now, that double as storage tanks and planters!  They have thought of everything - spigots make it easy to attach a watering hose, and the back is usually flat to maximize space if you’re placing the catcher against a wall (think: next to the air conditioner to catch condensation.)  Here is a charming 65-gallon product that I love:http://www.hayneedle.com/product/rainwizard50gallonrainbarrelurn.cfm.  You could be harvesting rainwater all over the yard without anyone ever knowing it!

3. Replace portions of grass with gravel

Remove portions of your grass and install gravel or decomposed granite, surrounded by shade canopy trees.  The design possibilities with this additional outdoor entertaining space are endless!  Create a gravel sitting area with tables and chairs, or turn a blank canvas into a relaxing retreat with benches, pillows and throws.  With your feet up and a margarita in hand, you won’t miss grass at all.

Above: Teryl incorporates gravel into her client’s garden design

4. Plant drought-tolerant items such as rosemary, lavender and Little Ollie shrubs

Contrary to popular belief, succulents aren’t the only plants that are drought-tolerant.  Fragrant herbs like rosemary and lavender are not only beautiful, but extremely water-conscious!  For fantastic border plants, Little Ollie shrubs are a compact-growing and clean shrub that requires very little attention or water.

   

L to R: Rosemary, Little Ollies, and Lavender

5. Add a rain gutter catch basin to your rain gutters

Add a rain gutter catch basin to your rain gutters, redirecting rainwater to a drought-tolerant herb garden or storage tank.  There are very discreet underwater storage tanks that hold quite a bit of water, and are completely out of sight.  There are also slim, wall-mounted tanks that can run alongside walls and fences (http://www.halstedrain.com/rainwater-products.html).  Attach a hose, and water your yard with pride knowing that you are doing something great for the world.

6. Keep a pitcher or bucket by the sink, and collect greywater to keep potted plants looking bright

There’s no need to get rid of your favorite potted plants, if you work a little harder for the water needed to irrigate them!  It’s surprising how much greywater we produce without realizing it.  To see what I mean, keep a pitcher or bucket by the kitchen sink (or better yet – every sink in the house), and collect excess water over just one day.  Save the water that usually goes the drain while you wait for the faucet to warm up, and add the water used to rinse fruit and vegetables.  Even water leftover in drinking glasses and water bottles can be collected.  At the end of the day, you’ll feel so accomplished giving this saved, repurposed water back to Mother Earth, that you’ll want to continue your crusade!  And, you can keep your favorite potted plants looking beautiful, minus the guilt! 

Even if your entire garden is drought-tolerant, if you have a leaking pipe or hose, you’re wasting water.  A great way to check for leaks is to check your water meter at the beginning of a two-hour window of no water use, and then check again at the end of the two hours.  If the number is different, you have a leak.

7. Add mulch around trees and plants

Mulch discourages weed growth, minimizes water runoff, and retains moisture.  Adding a few inches of compost or mulch around trees and plants will help slow the evaporation of moisture, and give your garden plenty of time to take a long drink of water!  Mix mulch with all of your soil to encourage moisture retention in the entire yard!

8. Install a drip irrigation system

Drip irrigation systems save 50% more water than sprinklers, with little to no water loss from runoff or evaporation.  Drip irrigation systems can be installed anywhere from large yards to individual planters.  You have total control over the amount of water supplied to each designated area, and it works wonderfully with mulched areas, thoroughly soaking the moisture-retaining mulch without getting any runoff.

9. Think about the Bees & their needs!

Bees pollinate one-third of everything we eat, and we’re seeing fewer of them every day due to climate change and habitat loss.  They pollinate all kinds of fruit and vegetables, such as broccoli, apples, almonds and squash. Indirectly, bees contribute to our meat resources by foraging crops like beans and clover, used to feed livestock.  Bees need flowering plants and herbs to thrive, and with the popularity of suburban lawns and the destruction of native landscapes, bees are rapidly disappearing.  Encourage bee production by planting flowering trees and clover in your yard or in planters, and avoid chemically treating plants and flowers, since chemicals can negatively affect a bee’s system.  Bees like volume in their flowers, so plant plenty of the same type of bloom together.  A few good examples are lilacs, lavender, sage, wisteria and verbena.  Beautiful plants with a purpose!

  

Above: examples of lilacs, safe and verbena.

10. Plant a tree (or two!)

Scientists estimate there are about 200 billion tons of excess CO2 in the atmosphere, and planting a single tree eliminates one ton of CO2 every year.  Planting a tree is not only good for nature and for the battle against global warming, it’s good for us, too.  In one year, a single acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people, and trees help keep cities about 10 degrees cooler, releasing water vapor into the air and breaking up urban hot spots.  Shade from trees slows water evaporation, and surprisingly, most new trees only need 15 gallons of water per week.  Surround your home with tree after tree, and enjoy the benefits that trees provide while also giving back to Mother Nature.

Above: Teryl installs a tree for client

*************************************************************************

With Love from your L.A. Gardenista,

TERYL DESIGNS

Teryl Ciarlo: Teryl Designs

ABOUT TERYL DESIGNS:

West Los Angeles Gardenista and Landscape Designer, Teryl Ciarlo (www.teryldesigns.com), has current clients such as actress Jordana Brewster and other L.A. socialites.

Growing up in Southern California, Teryl’s grandmother initially introduced her to the power of romantic floral arrangements, and the way gardening gathers people together. As ideas began to circulate on how to marry these two loves of her life, this lifelong infatuation later became the driving force behind each garden design.

“I have a deep affection for being able to provide my clients with the classic ‘California Dreaming’ reality, using the indoor and outdoor living spaces as the path.  Homeowners and their guests always gravitate toward the garden or terrace if you lead the way, by making it cozy and inviting.”

Teryl wants her clients to go out and experience their garden, not just view it from the kitchen window.  And, not just during the spring and summer.  Teryl believes a sign of excellent landscape design is to create seasonless gardens, with plants peaking year-round. One of the most important elements of setting the mood is lighting. Teryl embraces the power of Dancing Lights for entertaining year-round to draw guests to the garden and extend the indoor living space to the outdoors.  We all have a vision for the garden of our dreams… “My dream garden is formal, surrounded by trees twinkling with the light of romantic hanging lanterns,” says Teryl.  “A long farmhouse table sits atop clean gray gravel, inviting guests to gather and enjoy an outdoor fireplace.  We’re surrounded by rows of manicured grass, climbing roses, clean boxwood hedge and a bench for a vantage point.” 

Learn more about Teryl’s work and design philosophy at http://www.teryldesigns.com/

GREATS BRAND DROPS TWO NEW WOOSTER X LARDINI STYLES FOR SS17 CAPSULE

GREATS BRAND DROPS TWO NEW WOOSTER X LARDINI STYLES FOR SS17 CAPSULE Brooklyn based direct to consumer sneaker brand Greats has collaborated with Nick Wooster for the fifth installment of the Greats + Wooster + Lardini capsule for SS17 NEW YORK, NY : Friday, March 31, 2017: When menswear icon Nick Wooster gets involved in designing, you know you're going to get something unique. As an industry leader having held roles at Ralph Lauren, Bergdorf Goodman, and holding a place on the Business of Fashion's “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and Vanity Fair's best dressed list, Nick Wooster is a fashion visionary. As the originator of the "mismatched sneaker" movement, Nick has influenced the market by not having to match a pair, which has been copied by multiple brands but there is only one originator. For the fifth capsule of the Greats + Wooster + Lardini Spring/Summer 2017 collaboration, Nick selected a mismatched navy and white premium canvas with a smooth leather lining. Along with a second silhouette that is constructed from a durable grey canvas decorated with silver 3M polka dots that subtly reflect the light. Each style sits atop an elevated Margom outsole, adding a bit more height than Greats' traditional Margom sole. Greats + Wooster + Lardini branding can be found on tan calf lining, along with Greats' signature bar tack stitch in neon orange placed on the heel cup. The collection is hand crafted by Greats artisans in the Marche region of Italy. The Greats + Wooster + Lardini Spring/Summer 2017 collaboration is now available for men and women exclusively on greats.com ABOUT GREATS:  Greats is the first men’s sneaker brand to be Born In Brooklyn. Launched in August 2013, the brand quickly became an instant "Classic,” selling out of most styles within 90 days and, in the words of GQ, "Shaking up the sneaker to store inventory flow.” Greats is passionate about building the best footwear in the game at the best price. As Charles Eames liked to say about his designs, "The best, for the most, for the least" - a motto the Greats team swears by.  In March 2017, Greats officially launched their first women’s collection with the release of two styles, the Wooster and Royale.

Greats Lardini Wooster in Grey Canvas  $280.00 www.greats.com

Greats Lardini Wooster in Navy and White Canvas  $280.00 www.greats.com

Streaming: Go Behind the Scenes into France's Castles and Fashion Houses with TV5MONDE Style

TV5MONDE Style will stream - via Comcast and Sling TV - this April a runaway insider’s look at the latest in fashion including: #VERSIONFRANÇAISE, a series giving a behind the scenes look at Europe’s leading fashion houses as well as Private Tours, a lifestyle series providing in-depth tours of France’s most beloved castles and manors. Full descriptions of these and other series that are available this Spring on TV5MONDE Style, TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand, TiVi5Monde and TV5MONDE Info are listed below.

TV5MONDE Style series and documentaries:

VISITES PRIVÉES – (Private tours)

(Style, 2016. TV Series)

Available April 4^th at 9:08am ET / 6:08am PT

Explore Château des Milandes, a manor house in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle which housed celebrities such as Josephine Baker from 1939 to 1969. Presented by French TV and radio host Stéphane Bern, this series explores the treasures of Périgord which includes the château de Beynac and the beautiful Jardins d'Eyrignac in the Dordogne département of France.

#VERSIONFRANÇAISE

(Fashion, 2015. TV Series)

Available April 14^th at 7:53pm ET / 4:53pm PT

Presented by Katherina Marx, this fashion series showcases the collections of Bruno Castel and the House of Popineau as well as the silhouettes of Vanessa Bruno.

SECRETS D'HISTOIRE – (Secrets of History)

(History, 2007. Documentary)

Available April 16^th at 12:55pm ET /9:55am PT

Travel back in time to the 18^th century, when Madame du Barry, the illegitimate daughter of a seamstress begins to secretly date King Louis XV of France. Although their romance was only intended to be a fling, du Barry’s love life takes a turn for the worse when she discovers that she is going to spend the rest of her life as his mistress. Chaos erupts when the French Revolution begins and du Barry becomes involved in one of the biggest financial scandals in French history.  

TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand series:

Duel Au Soleil: Season 2 – (Duel in the Sun: Season 2)

(Crime Fiction, 2015. TV Series)

Available April 7^th until July 6^th

On his daughter’s wedding day, policeman Ange Renucci is called to investigate a lifeless body floating in his town’s river. This crimes series follows the investigations of Ange Renucci played by two-time César award nominee, Gérard Darmon.

Main Courante – (Daybook)

(Crime Fiction, 2012. TV Series)

Available April 14^th until July 13^th

Business is booming at the Nantes police station as more and more people find illegal solutions to cope with the economic and financial crisis. Although they do not have any mafia or organized crime, this working class suburb is filled with petty lawbreakers, conjugal disputes, quarrels between neighbors and families, traffickers and illegal laborers. 

TiVi5MONDE series:

LES PYJAMASQUES – (The Pyjamasques)

(Animation, 2015. TV Series)

Available April 1^st at 1pm ET / 10am PT

At the stroke of midnight, the Pyjamasques put on their superhero costumes to embark on amazing adventures. With secret abilities that include bouncing like a rubber ball, running along walls without ever getting hurt and flying, Yoyo, Gluglu and Bibou are willing to use all of their superpowers to keep their friends and classmates safe.

TV5MONDE Info series:

21^ème Siècle – (21^st Century)

(Information, 2012. TV Series)

Available April 10^th at 10pm ET / 7pm PT

Grammy award winning singer and activist, Angelique Kidjo anchors this monthly magazine series which explores human rights, climate change, immigration and more. This episode uncovers the truth behind a variety of violence and abduction cases where females were specifically targeted in India and Canada.

More on these programs from TV5MONDE suite of networks can be found by visiting the website:  https://www.sling.com/french/programming/entertainment.