Uncommon Threads: Alexander Julian Retrospective

[Flaneur]

<Briggs Robinson Gallery's press release> "This month-long exhibit is an entertaining, artistically approached, in-depth analysis of 30 years of designer Alexander Julian's innovative contributions in men's and women's fashion and home furnishings. Playful installations illuminate Julian's textile design process. His innovative slant on form, color, pattern and scale will be highlighted throughout the exhibition. The Retrospective will include historical installations of signature design motifs and a spectrum of examples of the diversity of original color and pattern work in clothing, textiles and furniture. Also included are historic sports uniforms and original costumes from the Robert Altman film, "The Player". "Listening to Color", a short film by screenwriter Alex Rose, spans three decades of Julian's style. Original music score composed by jazz pianist Eric Lewis. For the past three decades, Alexander Julian has made an indelible mark on the creative landscape, utilizing his distinctive flair for opulent textures, superior craftsmanship and marvelous color. A five-time Coty award winner and youngest inductee to the Fashion Hall of Fame, Julian's textile designs are in the Smithsonian National Design Museum's Permanent Collection." Briggs Robinson Gallery 527 W. 29th St. New York, NY 10001 www.briggsrobinson.com (212) 560-9075 Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm Free admission

 

[Full Canvas]

Originally Posted by Flaneur

For the past three decades, Alexander Julian has made an indelible mark on the creative landscape, . . .

Do you care to remark on the other opinions? There seems to be a differening sentiment about Mr. Julian's indelible mark. Your response would be of interest.
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/f...ad.php?t=55966

___________________________________

 

[Flaneur]

I'm not sure if the present context (namely, that of a thread concerning menswear designers who wear their own creations, morphed by a respected member of both the AAAC and SF communities into becoming a thread concerning a long-standing and very personal rancor) is the right context in which to argue for Alexander Julian's creative influence upon late 20th Century apparel and textile design. Frankly, I'm inclined to believe that any attempt at a frank discussion of the aesthetic merit of the design legacy of Alexander Julian will forever be squelched at both AAAC and SF by the above referenced vitriol, an ingredient guaranteed to produce a dish appealing to no one...

 

[LabelKing]

That thread looks like a mess, which in my prior experience on that board, seems to happen on a fairly frequent basis whenever certain things are brought up.

However, to counter the point in that aforementioned post, many designers traditionally were women's wear designers therein they probably weren't going to wear a ruched shirt or a gazar ballgown.

Although I believe Tom Ford does wear his own clothing, namely that of Gucci. Yves Saint Laurent probably wore bespoke Camps most of the time but he also wore his clothing such as the Safari suits.

Personally, I think some people simply don't appreciate the avant-garde tendencies of designer clothing hence the vigor in condemning designers, their suits, and such.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Originally Posted by Flaneur

I'm not sure if the present context (namely, that of a thread concerning menswear designers who wear their own creations, morphed by a respected member of both the AAAC and SF communities into becoming a thread concerning a long-standing and very personal rancor) is the right context in which to argue for Alexander Julian's creative influence upon late 20th Century apparel and textile design.

Frankly, I'm inclined to believe that any attempt at a frank discussion of the aesthetic merit of the design legacy of Alexander Julian will forever be squelched at both AAAC and SF by the above referenced vitriol, an ingredient guaranteed to produce a dish that will satisfy no one...
Unless you post some pictures other than these, I doubt anyone will defend the aesthetic merit of his clothing:
http://www.alexanderjulian.com/flash_content.html

 

[LabelKing]

Designers who wore suits: Lucien Lelong, couturier who stood up to the Nazis

Jacques Fath

Guy Laroche

Cristobal Balenciaga

Jean Desses- a couturier who initially trained as a lawyer

 

[VMan]

If you were a musician, would you listen to your own music while driving in the car?

 

[Edward Appleby]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

And as for Alexander Kabbaz's point of designers all being insane--an outlandish statement--here are a few:
I read Kabbaz's statement as an idictment of Julian as a crook...

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Edward Appleby

I read Kabbaz's statement as an idictment of Julian as a crook...
I read it a bit too quickly although I recall Kabbaz wasn't too fond of designer clothing.

 

[LabelKing]

Roy Halston wore his own clothing:

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Yves Saint Laurent probably wore bespoke Camps most of the time but he also wore his clothing such as the Safari suits.
Not all the time.
In this famous ad, he wore nothing but his own fragrance.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Not all the time.
In this famous ad, he wore nothing but his own fragrance.

Bien sur, his very famous ad by Jeanloup Sieff.

Tom Ford did a recent revamp of that ad but not with himself.

 

[LabelKing]

Yves Saint Laurent is also a client of Caraceni.

 

[LA Guy]

I don't know Alexander Julian personally, but I do know people who do, and hold him in high regard. I don't know about, and cannot comment on his business ethics, one way or another. Personally, his styles are not for me. However, I can appreciate that he contributed to the landscape of American fashion.

As for discussions on the AAAC thread, we have a policy here not to discuss forum politics, and I think that that extends to discussions of controversial threads in other forums. Styleforum is not a place to air grievances about other forums.

Also, if anyone wishes to discuss Manton's book and provide counterpoints to any of his statements, you are welcome to, but please do so in a separate, selfstanding thread, without reference to the AAAC thread. That's all. Thanks.

Fok.

 

[Flaneur]