Emilio Pucci, scarf, "La Caccia," 1959. Gift of Murph Damron (2009.26)

Fashion designer and Italian aristocrat, Emilio Pucci is perhaps best known for his brilliant, sinuous prints. Inspired first by the atmosphere on the Island of Capri, Marchese Emilio Pucci di Barsento (1914-1992) began designing clothing for women in 1949, opening a small shop a few years later. Preoccupied with the absurd constraints popular clothing of the time imposed on women; he re-conceptualized menswear for women, as resort wear. Loose fitting shift dresses, palazzo pants and blouses, created out of luxurious hand-painted silks. The instantly recognizable Pucci brand was highly sought after for much of the 1950s and 1960s.

Emilio regularly looked to his heritage for inspiration; his ancestry can be traced back to both Lorenzo de Medici and Catherine the Great.  “Possibly the greatest misconception about Emilio Pucci is that the prints that made the brand famous are abstract. In fact, they are drawings, often simply inspired by objects, or Pucci’s home surroundings…” (Pucci: Fashion Story, 2010, pg. 107)

Considered a Renaissance man by many , he was “… fascinated by his roots, and art and architecture; you can actually see it in his work. On my honeymoon in Capri in 1953, I remember going to his shop and being struck by how much the designs resembled Florentine mosaics. It was really extraordinary, although I don’t think a lot of people realized it.” –Rosita Missoni (Pucci: Fashion Story, 2010, pg. 42)

In 2009, the IMA acquired a silk scarf by Emilio Pucci, titled La Caccia or The Chase from his Botticelliana Collection, 1959.  The motif for the scarf is inspired by the Stories of Nastagio degli Onesti by Sandro Botticelli.

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Filed under: Art, Textile & Fashion, The Collection

A few months ago I wrote a post on data entry and clean-up. While to some, it may first seem uneventful- the glow of the computer screen, clacking keys, cream colored files.

It is really quite exciting; allow me to share just a few reasons why.

While researching the American textile collection, I delighted in studying our 1930s and 1940s textiles, a few of which were designed and produced as part of the Milwaukee WPA Handicraft project. This was a highly successful WPA venture that provided work for under-skilled people. The project engaged workers in a multitude of handcraft practices, instructed by designer- technicians drawn from graduates of the Milwaukee State Teachers College art department.

In the IMA’s collection, we have two examples of textiles that were produced as the result of this highly successful project; both designed by Florence Kawa.

The Reapers, Florence Kawa (39.41)

The Workers, Florence Kawa (39.42)

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Filed under: Art

Some of you might remember, we hosted a fashion show in 2008, called Project IMA, and it was a resounding success. But if you missed it, or really wished you participated, hang on to your hats! Because we’re planning another one.

(Image: Melissa Glenn, www.melissaglenn.com/default4.asp)

Project IMA: Fashion Unbound, is a runway fashion show organized by the IMA and will take place on Friday October 22, 2010 at the IMA in the Toby Theater.

But first, things first…..
We are also pleased to announce that the Indianapolis Museum of Art is inviting artists and fashion designers to submit original, one-of-a kind-works for inclusion in this spectacular, one-night only event. The theme for Project IMA: Fashion Unbound is uncanny silhouettes and unexpected materials. Utilizing re-purposed or used materials is strongly encouraged.

So if that sounds like you, please fill out the application form and submit all the materials to ProjectIMA@imamuseum.org by August 20, 2010.
Oh! And tell your friends.

Official details are below. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Art, Current Events, Design, Local

A while back I wrote a post on mannequin preparation for our exhibition, Body Unbound. Around the same time, I began working on short behind-the-scenes video with the Nugget Factory. Welcome to my first IMA TV interview.

Filming turned out to be a bit nerve-racking for me. “Act naturally,” is a phrase easier said than done. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy witnessing what exactly we do to prepare for an exhibition.

Body Unbound is now on open and looks fantastic. Be sure to stop by the IMA before January 2011 and see for yourself.

No mannequins were harmed during the making of this video:

Filed under: Art, Exhibitions, IMA TV, New Media

One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of my job is researching, planning and finally, mounting an exhibition. I liken it to what a performer or musician must feel when they step onto stage after months of practice. One of the nuances of this feeling though, is each exhibition has a personality. Moreover, getting to know that personality is at times a joy, or a challenge, or both. Some exhibitions are straightforward and others will throw you for a loop. Nevertheless, these quirks are what propel an exhibition team forward – together. And… like any great performance or concert, it takes a group of people utilizing their aptitude in a variety of ways. Every exhibition at the IMA is supported by a team, made up of members representing different departments, each responsible for an aspect of its’ planning and execution. The upcoming fashion arts exhibition, Body Unbound, Contemporary Couture from the IMA’s Collection, is no different. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Art, Conservation, Exhibitions