T-shirt as canvas
The spring runways were an art fest with Marc Jacobs collaborating with Richard Prince on bags at Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana hand-painting tulle ball gowns, and Michael Kors taking inspiration from Van Gogh. And now, at last, the trend has arrived at the mall.
On Thursday, Gap launches a limited-edition line of T-shirts designed by contemporary artists including Kenny Scharf, Barbara Kruger and Kiki Smith for just $28 to $32.
A design by Chuck Close features the artist’s 2002 black-and-white rendering of composer Philip Glass. Others created new work for their T-shirt canvases. Neo-Geo artist Ashley Bickerton’s square T-shirt sketch is in colors reminiscent of Skittles. Jeff Koons used a halftone printing pattern to make a deer’s head. Rirkrit Tiravanija’s ominous design reads, “The days of this society are numbered” in plain orange lettering.
Gap Artist Edition T-Shirts will be available at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and at Gap stores nationwide. See www.gap.com for locations.
OPENINGS
Sigerson Morisson: As if you needed another reason to escape the city this summer, the footwear label just opened a beach-side flagship. Instead of rubber flip-flops, you’ll find flat sandals in leather and suede ($330), high-heeled raffia wedges ($525) and patent-leather totes ($895). Malibu Country Mart, 23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu. (310) 317-6868. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.sigersonmorr ison.com
Trina Turk Residential: The designer brings her colorful midcentury style to home decor at a new shop, next to her original clothing boutique in Palm Springs. Turk’s signature geometric prints cover throw pillows and cushions, one-of-a-kind vintage chairs, couches and bar stools ($88-$2,100). Pieces by Atwater Pottery and enameled cloisonne jars by Fabienne Jouvin are also on offer. 895 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 416-2856. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
SALES
J. Lindeberg Saturday: Swedish designer Johan Lindeberg’s polished yet punky menswear collection has attracted Pharrell Williams to his runway front row, appeared on “Entourage” and even graced Brad Pitt’s backside. For one day only, spring and summer goods at the Beverly Center flagship are 40% off. Tailored cream-colored suit jackets, thin wool cardigans and white twill shorts are among the offerings. The company’s line of tasteful golf apparel is discounted too. Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 659-7340. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.jlindeberg.com
Room 222 Vintage aficionado Marc Joseph is parting with pieces from his 7,000-item collection from the 1930s on by Valentino, James Galanos and Halston. Sharply tailored suits by Thierry Mugler are among the offerings that are priced 50% to 75% less than you’d expect to pay at upscale vintage stores. 509 N. Fairfax Ave., Room 222, Los Angeles. (213) 300-4905. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
EVENTS & TRUNK SHOWS
Denis Colomb Thursday: It’s not quite the pashmina craze of 10 years ago, but almost. This spring, scarves and shawls seem to be draped around fashionable necks everywhere. Get in on the trend with one of Colomb’s delicately patterned and colored cashmere pieces (which start at $450) at this trunk show with the French designer. Savannah, 706 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 458-2095. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.deniscolomb.com
Rogan for Target at Barneys Friday through Sunday: Confused? We’ll break it down. Denim designer Rogan Gregory has been in the green fashion game since 2004, when he started his Loomstate line of eco-friendly duds. Target has tapped him to do a limited-edition sustainable collection that hits stores May 18. But first, Barneys New York is previewing the line in its stores, including a giraffe-print dress ($39.99) and short black romper ($39.99). Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 276-4400. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Patek Philippe Watch Exhibition Friday through Sunday: Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe takes the concept of pop-up shop to a new level with a pop-up museum. More than 400 watches and clocks will be on display, many from the brand’s permanent museum in Geneva. See the very first wristwatch that the company created in 1868, along with a religious-themed enamel pocket watch made by artist Gaspard Lamuniere in 1850. Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 275-5200. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.patek.com
Fashion for Life 2008 Sunday: This fourth annual charity runway show proves that fashion isn’t always frivolous. You’ll be able to see evening wear by Kevan Hall and tailored contemporary separates by Robert Rodriguez while supporting Friendly House, a nonprofit residential home for women recovering from substance abuse. Amber Valletta, Cameron Silver and designer Paige Adams-Gellar serve as co-chairs. Lisa Rinna will emcee and DJ AM will provide the soundtrack. Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, 9250 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 929-7826. 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $75. www.myspace.com/fashion4lifefh.
