Experiments in Porcelain and Silk: Finery at IF+D [Fashion & Art Preview]

On Friday, IF+D, the Warehouse District interior design store, will be hosting Finery, a fashion, ceramic, and photography exhibit in collaboration with Art Seen Alliance. Inspired by the idealistic and often sexually charged film culture of the 1920’s & 30’s that helped distract and entertain away the woes of the depression, Finery aims to examine the expensive, the ostentatious, and the decorated . As we are obviously in our own economic crapshoot of sorts, the exhibit is appropriate and timely, yet the show remains completely innovative and offers a refreshing break for those of us looking for our own little escape route.

Inspiration from the decadent film culture of the depression brings to mind Jane Mansfield, flowing satin, fur stoles, and the infamous MGM costume designer Adrian. Instead, contemporary designer Rachel Fields kicked it up a few notches and avoided the obvious elements, choosing instead to channel the 17th century medieval, emphasizing the overtly sexy in a more deconstructed, natural, and animalistic way (think the Tudors). Finery will also exhibit the work of ceramicist Kathleen Rabe which she herself best describes as inherently vulgar, feminine, and delicate. Photographer Christina Shaffell helps to round out the feminine toned show with her large scale photography. The exhibit will showcase the artists collaborative work with Shaffell's photos of models dressed in clothing designed by Fields, accented with jewelry created by Rabe.