Dear Lacemakers, especially Devon, In today's New York Times book review section, page 16, there is information about a new book - "Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli", by Dilys E. Blum, Curator of Costume and Textiles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Costumes at the Metropolitan Museum are in the same building as the Ratti - and since lace is a part of many costumes, the review attracted my attention. It relates that a Parisian court of appeals ruled in 1934 that a woman's hat was a work of art worthy of copyright protection! Delicious thought!! Blum argues that Schiaparelli was an artist no less than a designer. Balenciaga referred to her as the only real artist in the couture. Schiaparelli was well-known when I (Jeri) worked on a public relations account for the American Wool Council in the early 1960's. How well I remember the two Vogue couture 2-piece ensembles I made in brilliant Schiaparelli pink wool crepe (one was a copy of Balenciaga). They are still in trunks in my collection. Schiaparelli was notable, but imagine if Schiaparelli was a man - the volume of awards and attention she would have received... Here is a book with another perspective on art vs. craft, and an opportunity to compare with experiences of those few who have created innovative laces in recent decades. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
