Earlier this summer, I noted that accessory designer Lele Sadoughi had a collaboration collection on her website with The Met. As in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Que? Quoi? What? Unfortunately at that point the collection was marked down and picked over. Quelle horror! Nevertheless, I could not stop thinking about it.
the elephant in the room since February
Screeeeeech. Back up. While I have always had an appreciation for art, I do not have a formal education in it, aside from art history classes that came with going to school at a Naples, Italy-based Department of Defense School in the 1990s. My family enjoys museum memberships across the city and frequently visiting them. Petite Garcon has seen the contemporary wing of the PMA more than most adults.
Our interest in art inspired me to start philly has heART podcast. Since the first Wednesday in February, we have released weekly ~thirty~ minute episodes, save for our summer minisode series. Every week, the host, Robert (yes, that Robert!), has a conversation with someone from the Philadelphia art scene and we – and hopefully our listeners – learn something new. I produce the project, because you know, I hate hearing myself talk but that doesn’t stop me from talking.
Cut to…yesterday. I had been spotting literal – not figurative, mind you, I know my language – references to artists over the summer across clothing and accessory brands, underscored by some collections that have special releases around artists. And so, I happened to check out the Lele Sadoughi website, just looking for a sale, and wouldn’t you know, there was another chapter of The Met? And do I want / need everything in it.
PacSun
The least likely to have entered into a partnership with The Met, several media outlets have posit the question “Why?” And the answer is that it always sells out. In fact, the matching top to this Degas top is no longer even available. Sorry, no set dressing for you if you have not already made the purchase.
PacSun, who-freaking-knew?
Lilly Pulitzer
The purveyor of resort dressing released a series of dresses in the print Let It Gogh, an obvious Van Gogh reference. I desperately wanted the structured maxi dress with the lace trim along the sides, alas I think my size is now a pipe dream and I will be trolling the secondary market,
Todd Snyder
Who knew that The Met would partner with the Tuckernuck (just guessing) of menswear? And yet, the lineup of brands seem aligned with the type of man who would be cultured enough to frequent institutions like The Met.
Or something like that.
Lele Sadoughi
The brand that started this conversation initially opened their first collaboration with The Met with artists Klimt, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezane, and Monet. Most recently, the collaboration with The Met included Mondrian, Kadinsky, Gris, Klee, and Toulouse. While I missed out on the first chapter, I most definitely won’t miss out on the second.
Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint started releasing special edition footwear revolving around legendary artists circa 2021. I initially remember the Van Gogh option, and then the Klimt option. (I once jokingly commented “my size is not available, might riot” to an Instagram post featuring the Klimt Natalie flat and was subsequently asked to delete my comment as I was a brand ambassador at the time, #sure) Shortly thereafter, there was a Monet option and a Picasso option. Last week, a Botticelli version was released, in honor of Venus.
My size? Unavailable. Might riot.
Abercrombie & Fitch
My tee shirts are silk screened, as Kate from The Print Center pointed out to me while wearing one of the below Keith Haring tee shirts. See!? I do learn things from our guests!
The Met Store
Le duh.