The Austin Effect

36 hours in Austin and having a wonderful time!!!
Texas Capital Building at 1100 Congress Ave., 78701

As soon as one step’s off the plane, Austin’s charm is truly apparent. People who live here are anxious to share their favorites spots with those who have never been, or those returning to enjoy the eclectic Texas culture. You will see signs or hear the slogan “Keep Austin Weird”, which is not to say Austinites are not eerie, strange, creepy or freaky.

Téjanos in Repulic of Texas 1836-1845 at the Capital Building in Austin
Sixth Street « live » on Friday night with people, food and of course lots of fab music!!!

It took a day or two before realizing the implications of the terminology, and culitvated my interpretation. As you walk out of elevators everyone says to have a great day; the mix of cultures is a beautiful site, especially with Mexico as a neighbor, Uber drivers are a plethora of information when it comes to the best food and no one, I repeat no one is ugly or difficult in this town. 

People are unbothered with what you are doing, it is such an unpretentious metropolis. No one is keeping up with the “joneses”, there is no need for enclaves or restricted communities. Everyone in Austin maintains a fabulous “uniqueness” for themselves and not society.  

Stay tuned, as there is more to share on food and art galleries.

Travel stylishly,
K

 

Gothic Art and Fashion @ the Cloisters

The Met Cloisters specializes in European medieval architecture, sculpture and decorative arts with a focus on the Gothic and Romanesque periods. Located in Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan is a museum with medieval gardens and a series of chapels.Here in the Late Gothic Hall are altarpieces that were dismantled in Germany and Spain during the late 15th and 16th centuries. These altarpieces contextualize the fashions featured in this hall with several that were designed by Alexander McQueen. His family asked that we not photograph the couture, but it was definitely an experience to view such exquisite pieces.

{Above} Dolce & Gabbana
Gold silk tulle with gold Lurex, gold metal filigree with polychrome crystals.
This design was inspired buy the gilded stature of the Virgin Mary on the main spire of Milan’s cathedral known as the Madonnina. She was covered with a gray-green cloth on the eve of World War II to avoid providing an easy target for fighter bombers.

WEDDING ENSEMBLE, spring/summer 2018
Designed by Thom Browne
This dress has hundreds of white tulle ribbons that camouflage a unicorn across its surface in gold thread, and the Unicorn in Captivity tapestry hangs behind this piece.

Made of white silk organza, white nylon tulle, embroidered white silk thread, gold bullion, pearls, crystals, clear glass, and mother of pearl, white mink.House of Dior
Designer John Galliano
This dress features a portrait of the controversial Italian political statesman Niccolo Machiavelli from the title page of his influential treatise The Prince {1532}.

ENSEMBLE, spring/summer 2006 haute couture
Red and black rubber-coated cotton-linen twill embroidered with black silk thread and seed beads, black silk chiffon, and metal grommets.

Stay stylish,
K