Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Embracing the Future with the Past

To be wrapped in an embrace that is so unconsciously confident that it feels as if you are holding onto your own skin, with someone who has the freedom to be on their own, yet come together in an embrace of total fusion....this is love. And so, the loves of one's life can come together in a confluence that ties one's past to one's future. Such a day presented itself as I witnessed the merging of my fashion past with my world of today.

The rains poured over New York yesterday as I made my way to the Parsons Senior Thesis Show at the Chelsea Piers with fellow instructor Steven Broadway. Former students were making their foray into fashion's eye with divine designs that they have been crafting for an entire semester. Under the watchful looks of the top professionals that make up the Parsons faculty, unique and forward thinking creations, that defied gravity and percolated new design directions, were paraded down the runway. Wedged among these colleagues, on a mission of excellence, I sat with pride as I saw their efforts carried out with aplomb. Simon Collins, the dean of the department, gave his praises to all who had help shape the fashion talents of the future. The ever-beautiful Susanna Moyer was there with her son Christian, as was Steven Faerm, the BFA fashion director, who rallies his team to ever-greater success each year. Max Wilson, designer extraordinaire, who later had lunch with me and Shawna McGee, another designer that shared our Cass Tech and Parsons alumni status, was pleased with the work he had done with his students. Richard Rosenfeld, Francesca Sammartino, Riet Peters, Kathie Maggio and many more, all agreed that the efforts of these high quality students made it all worthwhile.

As the rains wore on into the evening, I waltzed into the Chelsea Museum for the annual Live Out Loud LGBT fundraiser, which was founded by my dear friend Leo Preziosi. Pleased to have his parents there on a night that saw the greatest turnout of guests ever, he greeted all, along with his sparkling co-host Alan Cummings. Coordinating the mass of people was Hector Rojas, at once efficient and effervescent, with the help of his partner Steven, who had managed the extensive silent auction options. I was immediately made to feel at home by the presence of our dear friends Genita Ingram, John Rivers, Bruce Sloane, David Chin and Enrique Mago. The place was filled with beautiful people of every description, that tantalized one's eyes and probably set into motion a few new romances.

Into this bevy of beauties, my fashion past appeared in the lovely visions of Alva Chinn and Pat Cleveland, with Stephan Burrows and Elsa Perretti in tow. The fashion heyday of the 70's roared into view as I dreamed of bright colors, lettuce hems and youthful abandon, dancing the night away. Though more tranquil in demeanor they stylistically set off the energy of the room in a way that celebrated beauty always does.

Elated by the presence of so much positive energy during the day Joe and I made our way back to the Hudson Valley, enfolded in our joy and ready for an embrace.

















10 comments:

Michele said...

Glenn thanks for sharing both of these wonderful events I marveled at the high-level of conceptual fashions always produced by the students from Parson's who continue to strut their stylish wears on the Fashion runways. I can just envision your face beaming with joy as each of your students sashayed along.
I loved the photograph of Alva and Pat, they look simply stunning. I worked with some of these models during my design days at Essence. Michele

Karen said...

Thank you for sharing this! It made me pause and be grateful to have the privilege of working in the epicenter of fashion for another fashion icon, Iman. With the daily hustle of doing business, it's easy to forget how special it is to be surrounded by the creative juice of industry icons like her and the ones you featured in this entry.

But by far, my favorite part of your blog entry was the profound opening statement you made about "love". It struck a wonderfully personal chord in me. So, I may have to re-quote you on that (and I'll certainly give credit where it is due for such a perfectly phrased sentiment!)

While we've never met in person, I love following your art and your perspectives on Tunstull Dashing! Looking forward to the next one! Thanks again, Karen

Jelani said...

WOW! Parsons is still putting out greats; and what a treat to see Alva and Pat. My two alma maters (FIT & Pratt) shows should be coming up soon. Hope they are as inspiring. Thanks for taking me on your journey.

Martin Cooper/ OrchisArts said...

thanks for posting the wonderful pictures. there are many people that i know from so many different sectors of NYC. that's exactly what makes that city so incredibly special. for 8 million people strong, it sure is 6 degrees.

Deborah said...

Fabulous Glenn. Thanks for sharing. I envisioned beautiful clothing and people as you wrote. Loved the photos.

Michelle said...

I'm not that big on blogging,  however since one of my classes requires us to keep a blog it has grown on me. 
I'll put you on my list...

Genita said...

Glenn & Joe_
Hope all is well, great article and beautiful photos. It's always a pleasure seeing you and Joe, thanks for a lovely evening.
 
Peace, and lots of Blessings,

Steven said...

Sweet!

Unknown said...

Wonderful!
Thanks for the lovely mention and the lunch was swell!

Shawna said...

Wow. I love it Glenn. thanks you for sharing. I have to read your blog more often. Speak to you soon!