Friday, October 1, 2010

The Roman Mosaic from LOD, Israel

       I went today to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Roman Mosaic from Lod.
      The extraordinarily beautiful 1,700 year old mosaic floor, which is one of the most magnificent and largest mosaics ever revealed in Israel, was first uncovered in the city of Lod in 1996. The mosaic is a real archaeological gem and amazingly well-preserved. It covers an area of approximately 180 square meters and is composed of colored carpets that depict in detail mammals, birds, fish, a variety of flora and the sailing and merchant ships that were used at the time. The purpose of the building in which the mosaic floor was placed is not known.
         It was discovered by construction workers widening Ha-Halutz Street, and archaeologist Miriam Avissar of the Israel Antiquities Authorities was immediately called to the site. When the mosaic was uncovered, the authorities opened it to the public during a single weekend over the course of which 30,000 people traveled to Lod to see it. It was then covered while funding was sought to conserve the mosaic.
        Unusually for a mosaic floor of this age, the mosaic is in near-perfect condition. The exception is damage to one of the two ships depicted, done when an Ottoman-era cesspit was dug into the mosaic.



         After 14 years of it's discovery, they brought it to the MET for it's first exhibition to the public and it will be there until April 2011. If you happen to be in the city, it's worth while going and seeing it.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

San Gennaro's Feast Little Italy

One of the most popular events each year in New York City is the Feast of San Gennaro, Patron Saint of Naples.
It runs for 11 days, attracting crows that exceed 1-million. Activities for the entire family take place along Mulberry Street, Hester Street and Grand Street, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The streets are decorated with festive banners and arches in green, white and red, the colors of the Italian flag.

More than 35 of Little Italy's most famous Italian restaurants roll out the red carpet for Feast visitors, and many provide outdoor dining facilities for the event, offering a variety of Italian specialty foods and pastries. Some restaurants even have strolling musicians to entertain their customers.

We went there last Saturday and had a great time, eating stuffed artichokes, sausages and of course, cannolis.

Milly's Spring Fashion Show

I went last Wednesday to Milly's, Michelle Smith Spring Fashion Show. Bold geometrics mixed with feminine florals were on the runway. We saw bright colors like vivid tomato reds, vibrant greens and yellows, and a also some  navy. There was a lot of contrast. Short jackets  with long skirts and floral Bermuda shorts and  dresses complemented with lovely coats. We loved the green one particularly. My friend wanted to get it straight from the runway and wear it right away!
What was new in this show was the debut of her jewelry and handbag lines.
We went backstage and saw her with her lovely daughter.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 Fashion Show

Today I went to CH's Spring Show. It was my first show at the new location. I am a fan of the Opera so I go to Lincoln Center a lot and I thought they were going to use the Opera House or the Theater..instead they put a huge tent just like the Big Apple Circus!! So no surprises there.
Regarding the show, I thought it was beautiful, completely full with a lot of people standing in the back.

It was inspired by traditional clothes from Korea. The colors, prints, and floral appliques were taken from botanical plates collected in the 18th Century. Hats and belts completed the silhouettes.

Anna Wintour was in the front row and next to her was Grace Coddington taking notes, just as we saw her in the September Issue. Close to them also on the front row was Andre Leon Talley, Graydon Carter, Reynaldo Herrera, Fran Lebowitz and Carolina and Patricia Herrera.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Fashion Week Upcoming Shows

The highlight for tomorrow is Carolina Herrera @ 10am in the Theatre @ Lincoln Center. I will be there sharing everything! Also, William Tempest, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, DKNY, Betsey Johnson and Perry Ellis, among others.

My first post!

After 5 years back  in NY, I'm starting this blog to share with my family, friends and their friends the things I like most about this amazing city as well as  other cities I visit in my journeys.
Hope you like it.
xoxo
Yayi