SEEN IN BALTIMORE

Seen this weekend with the clan. Not sure what took me so long to go see this museum. Over 100 years old, this museum was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas and culture is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life and I couldn't agree more. It's important to go and see and support these places before it's too late and the billionaires get their greedy mitts on them, and start charging Disneyland admissions!!! Art should be able to be viewed by all. The museum had a great exhibit called the Cone Collection, with over 1, 200 works by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Renoir. The George A Lucas Collection was very impressive, with over 18,000 French mid-19th century works, and one of the greatest single holdings of French art in the US. I also enjoyed the African and Native American art as well, not to mention there was a pretty impressive sculpture collection in the gardens surrounding the museum. I have been going to Baltimore for years. Shame on me for not going to this place sooner.

Is there anything better then art and music for the soul?

Except maybe gin?

MOOD BOARD

 

Could it have been another glorious weekend? Hell yes! Time away on another get-away, glorious weather, good friends, art, libations and good food. But all good things come to an end as we face the dreaded thing...called...going back to work! Needless to say...as the gay anthem goes, We Will Survive! And made just a tad easier as it is the gay Christmas time!!!!! Pride Month!

Let us all have a fabulously gay month!!!

THE BERGDORF SOIREE

While I didn't get to see the legendary windows of Bergdorf Goodman in person yet, my blog in the field correspondent Mistress Maddie's # 1 Fan left Brooklyn with another clan member and sent some snaps. I will be heading to New York for a two-day visit at weeks end for a jolly, and I'm told some of the best cream of potatoes soup I'll ever eat.

While I don't have a fortune, I love me some Bergdorf Goodman.  I think everything I ever got there, I still have. The store itself is an extraordinary array of luxury brands from the trendy but also caters to the timeless classics. The store itself is absolutely stunning, a marvel, and caters to discerning shoppers who value quality over quantity. The store's ambiance and their exceptional customer service is unappareled to any other I have experienced. This year's windows titled, The Bergdorf Soiree, which celebrates New York's party scene, (something I was familiar with)...the windows are elaborate, handcrafted displays showcasing couture, creativity and glamour, and feature the likes of Costume Party, Party Animals, and New Year's Eve Countdown. The women's windows appear to be colorful and decadent, while the men's store windows are sophisticated monochromatic scenes. They are yet again the toast of town. I have had friend's past and present on the windows team. As always, each window offers much detail, from small 2" mice to large pieces and so many intricate details, dimensions and objects, yet appears seamless. But first hand knowledge from friends says it's still the same, a year of planning, around 6,500 hours of creating and another 2,000 to install. But it why us visual display people love doing it and sadly another dying art.

And the fun men's shop windows...

Special thanks to my field support for the pictures!

WUN DELIGHTS

 
 People who have seen the Mistress in drag will understand why I love designer Robert Wun. One of my trademarks was either always big hair or hair accoutrements. And if you want drama, then you came to the right place. His 2024.2025 showing during Paris week was nothing short of jaw dropping and unexpected delight. To celebrate his tenth anniversary, he presented a stunning collection called "Time". The collection was a meditation on the acceptance of finitude; a concept this designer embraces to fuel his creative process. And it came through in this elaborate and flamboyant showing, not to mention each piece testifying to his craftsmanship and visionary approach. I adored the progression of the season too and it was artistically done...right down to the visible burns on the hems to symbolize the inevitable erosion of time. What a showing to create for his 10th year.

Spectacular!

MOOD BOARD

How cool is the tree above? In the past when I didn't feel like putting up a whole tree, I did the above as an alternative with great results. Its fresh, different, and the only packing required is for a few ornaments. But today is World AIDS Day and serves as an important reminder that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent new HIV infection and provide essential services and education to all people living with HIV globally, not to mention teach the youth how to use condoms not only for HIV protect but for other unwanted issues. World AIDS Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and mourning those who have died of the disease, way too many deaths to date since it's outbreak. Contrary to the criminal administration and their lack of backing anything good and positive... most governments and health officials, countries and individuals around the world will STILL observe the day whether they like it or not. Wear your red ribbon proudly today.

 Happy Monday All!