Poiret: King of Fashion

This exhibit celebrates the advancements made in women's fashion by French designer Paul Poiret (1884-19440). After training with legendary designer George Worth, Poiret opened his own couture shop in Paris and gained great success and notoriety.

Shortly after the turn of the century, he was credited with the elimination of the corset and the re-introduction of the empire waist and more fluid lines created by the use and proper application of fabrics with natural drape. His stardom eluded him by 1920 leaving him penniless at the time of his death. The exhibition will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 9, through August 5, 2007.

New York 31st Annual American Crafts Festival

Drawing a crowd of visitors totaling over 100,000, this is considered to be the best crafts show in New York City. This biannual event takes place in the Josie Robertson Plaza and extends back on either side of the Metropolitan Opera house towards Damrosch Park and the Vivian Beaumont theater.

It is a judged event and participation is limited to 200 artisans who represent the best in their medium. The array of color and artistic form plus the consistent quality of the items makes this show a virtual outdoor museum of bohemian folk art. Exhibited items include oil on canvas, watercolor, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, carpentry and fashion. 400 Juried craft display from throughout the United States. The premier crafts event in the New York Metropolitan area as well as one of the best in the nation.

Lilly Daché: Glamour at the Drop of a Hat

Lilly Daché was born in France and came to the United States in 1924 with a dream of becoming famous. Through her talent for design and desire to succeed, she grew to become the hat designer to celebrities. In the 1930's and 1940s when every well dressed woman wore a hat meticulously matched to her outfit, Lilly Daché's career rose to its height.

Hollywood stars who would come to count on Lilly Daché's creations included Marlene Deitrich, Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo. Ultimately, her collection grew to include clothing, gloves and other de rigueur accessories.

The exhibit is curated by students of the institute's history of fashion graduate program. It will be on view at the Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) March 13 through April 21, 2007.

Ralph Rucci: The Art of Weightless-ness

Fashion designer Ralph Rucci, himself a graduate of FIT, has spent twenty-five years designing exquisite clothing and textiles, which he claims have been inspired by all forms of art. As an avid painter and collector, the use of color found in visual art has been transferred to his fashion designs.

This exhibit juxtaposes his fashion designs with paintings (some done by him) to show the strong influence of color in art. The Rucci retrospective will be on view until April 14 at The Museum at FIT.

Deuce

Two great stars of stage and screen, Angela Lansbury and Marion Seldes join forces in this two-woman play about two former tennis players now in the twilight of their lives who are coming to terms with life. Play by Terrence McNally.

Tickets for this limited engagement will be hard to come by. Previews begin April 16, 2007; Opens May 6, 2007.

She's Like a Rainbow: Colors in Fashion

This exhibit looks into the history and psychology of color in fashion. Why is blue so popular? Why is black our (okay, not all of us) favorite color? Does red really symbolize passion? Let the experts explain.

The exhibit, which spans 250 years, includes nearly 150 select pieces from the museum's own collection that exemplify the purposeful use of color in fashion to achieve specific moods.

The items on display also depict the evolution of color in fashion and its close association with culture. Apparently red, or any other color for that matter, is in the eye of the beholder.

The exhibit is organized by the museum’s director, Dr. Valerie Steele, and it will be on view through May 5, 2007 at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Talk Radio

This 1980's stage drama later brought to the screen by film director Oliver Stone is being recreated on Broadway starring Liev Schreiber (Glengarry Glen Ross) who plays the role of a popular radio personality whose controversial program is intended to go nation wide.

Curtains

So who doesn't like a good musical comedy? Add in a whodunit and what could be better? For laughter and sparkle, try this new production of Curtains, a large cast musical comedy complete with songs and lyrics by Kander and Ebb.

The play presents the story of a Boston theatre troupe that is attempting to stage a play. The leading lady is dead and the cast members are left to solve the mystery and save the show. Cast members include David Hyde Pierce of Spamalot and TV's Frasier, Debra Monk, and Karen Ziemba who received a Tony Award for Contact. Beginning March 22, at Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street, New York City

Frost/Nixon

Stage legends Frank Langella and Michael Sheen have teamed up to play Richard Nixon and Sir David Frost, respectively, in the upcoming staging of Frost/Nixon. In this historic drama, these two fine actors will reenact the famous television interview, which aired following Richard Nixon's impeachment. The show opens on April 22, at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre (formerly the Royale).

Saul Steinberg: Illuminations

This brilliant and legendary artist (1914-1999) whose achievements encompass architectural design, illustration, textile design, murals and stage design, is probably best remembered as a cartoonist whose images graced the covers of The New Yorker for nearly 60 years.

Now, for the first time, the Morgan is mounting a retrospective exhibit of his illustrations. More than 100 drawings, some from his private collection, have been assembled for your enjoyment Admission is $12.00. More works by Saul Steinberg can be seen at The Museum of the City of New York where a concurrent exhibit focuses on his depictions of New York.

Times Square Theaters: A New Century, A New Style

This exhibit focuses on the architectural evolution that has taken place in New York from the early 1900's through the present as evidenced by the diverse styles found among Broadway theatres.

This exhibit, in The Theater Museum (currently housed at The Municipal Art Society), is on view through March 7, 2007. Open Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat from 10 am - 5 pm. Admission is free.

The Modern Show

Ninety exhibitors gather at this event to showcase the best of 20th Century furniture, paintings, prints, sculpture, lighting, silver, ceramics, photography and more.

The show is open Friday and Saturday, 11 am - 7 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission: $15, Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Translations

The Manhattan Theater Club presents what is perhaps the most insightful play on Broadway this season. For those who enjoy a solid, well-performed play this is a must see. The cast shines, the writing is compelling and witty and the directing and staging are right on the mark.

Set in 19th Century rural Ireland, the story follows the lives of a group of people who are transitioning from their native Gaelic to the English language, which is being imposed upon them by the British.

Beyond the surface story, however, the play addresses the importance of communication and the effect of culture on language as well as language on culture. Translations is written by Irish playwright Brian Friel, whose plays Dancing at Lughnasa and Faith Healer have also been performed on Broadway. The show runs through April 1, 2007.

Barcelona and Modernity: Gaudi to Dali

Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, was discovered by many tourists after the 1991 Summer Olympics and for others as a result of media coverage of separatist movements. This region of northern Spain, which for centuries has been rich in art, is the subject of this comprehensive exhibit.

This exhibit of 300 works shows the diversity of art during the "Catalan Renaissance" a period that began in the late 1880's and ended after the Spanish Civil war upon the assent to power by Francisco Franco. This groundbreaking exhibition will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from March 7, through June 3, 2007.

Inherit The Wind

The famous 1925 “Monkey Trial" depicted in the screen version starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March is being brought to life on stage this spring. This intense drama, which retells the story of a Tennessee science teacher convicted of teaching the theory of evolution in schools, is in many ways as pertinent today as it was then.

Producers have assembled an impressive cast of thirty four led by Christopher Plummer, Brian Dennehy, Denis O'Hare and Byron Jennings, and directed by Tony winner Doug Hughes (Doubt). Costumes and set are being designed by Broadway¹s busiest designer, Santo Loquasto. This is a 16-week limited engagement. Previews begin March 19, 2007 at Lyceum Theatre.

Things to do in NYC: Central Park

Central Park is one of the urban wonders of the world, a green oasis in the great concrete, high-rise landscape of New York City. It is so naturally part of the Manhattan environment that many people may not realize it is entirely man-made.

Landscaped and recreational areas totaling 843 acres: zoo (home to polar bears, penguins, monkeys, and sea lions in natural habitats), carousel, skating rinks, theatre, lakes, food, visitor centers, and entertainment. Since 1908, more than 150 movies containing scenes in Central Park have been released.

NYC Walking Tours - The Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour

Guided tours of the Met's collection are offered daily by Museum-trained volunteers and are free with Museum admission. Some tours cover the collection as a whole and others concentrate on specific departments or themes. Tours last one hour and, in addition to English, are given in several other languages. Inquire at the Information Desks for points of departure.

Some guided tours are delivered in Sign Language with voice interpretation; see the Signs of Art calendar (available online and as a printed brochure) for a complete schedule. For times and topics on particular dates, consult the online calendar for guided tours about particular subjects on a specific date or range of dates. The Museum is closed on Mondays.

The Year of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking, from Joan Didion’s best-selling memoir, is scheduled to open at The Booth Theater in March, 2007.

This one woman play starring Vanessa Redgrave is an autobiographical account of one woman's bereavement over the death of her husband of many years and shortly thereafter the death of her daughter.

Things to do in NYC: The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was Built during the Depression, the building was the center of a competition between Walter Chrysler (Chrysler Corp.) and John Jakob Raskob (creator of General Motors) to see who could build the tallest building. The building's history is full of oddities and marvelous accomplishments that still intrigue the world.

In 1945 at the end of World War II, an Army Air Corps B-25 twin-engine bomber plane crashed into the 79th floor of the building in dense fog; from 1931 - present, the building acted as an "Ambassador to New York" to many of the world's renowned political and entertainment figures.

Construction commenced March 17, 1930. Framework rose at a rate of 4.5 stories per week. The Empire State Building is 102 stories high, has 6,500 windows, 73 Elevators including six freight elevators, operating at speeds from 600 to 1,400 feet per minute (It is possible to ride from lobby to 80th floor in 45 seconds). The building is designed to serve as a lightning rod for the surrounding area - it is struck by lightning about 100 times per year.

Les Miserables

Open at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 9, 2006 as part of a world-wide anniversary tour. Victor Hugo’s immortal tale of 19th century France amidst an infamous revolution that forever changed society thrilled packed theaters throughout the world.

This stage spectacular, musical adaptation has showcased countless musical talents male and female, young and mature. This fall, in an encore presentation, Broadway audiences will once again witness this beloved production.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2007

Every February Madison Square Garden becomes the focus for all dog lovers. This 131 year sporting tradition is one of the oldest in America - second only to the Kentucky Derby. Approximately 165 breeds compete in this prestigious event for best in breed and ultimately for best in show. Tickets are available through TicketMaster or at the box office.

Collector's Corner: Antiques Shows in New York

January is high season for the antiques industry in New York City. A group of the best and largest antique shows take place here over a matter of just a few weeks.

Whether you are a long time collector, a novice or simply enjoy browsing through the broad range of offerings, this is a key time for you to be in New York City.

Antique shows scheduled for this January include:

Winter Antiques Show
7th Regiment Armory
January 19-28, 2007
(718) 292-7392

Americana & Antiques at The Piers
Passenger Ships Terminal
January 20-21
(212) 255-0020

Antiques at the Armory
69th Regiment Armory
January 19-21, 2007
(212) 255-0020