On my previous post I mentioned that day tripping to Philadelphia is an easy one from the Delaware Beaches. It only takes a few hours and if you casually plan it well, you will have a fun day. A change of scenery, as well.
The Philadelphia Museum of art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Our quest was to make it to the Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now exhibit. It is there until March 3rd. You can check the museum’s website by visiting https://philamuseum.org.
I was trying to see what dining experience we could have at the museum. In order not to be rushed it would be perfect to eat there. I found out that a new restaurant called Stir had opened in October, 2018. There is the restaurant and there is also a Cafe. My interest was Stir, the restaurant.
Stir was designed by Frank Owen Gehry. His is considered to be one of the most well known architects in the world. Some of his buildings, including his home in Los Angeles have become world-renowned attractions.
We, actually, made a reservation through Open Table. The restaurant’s ceiling looks like it is floating. The chairs were so comfortable and the lighting was perfect. The Executive Chef is Mark Tropea who is a Philly-born guy with 20 years of experience.
Stir is managed by the Philadelphia’s Constellation Culinary Group which was known as the STARR Catering Group.
The moment I saw the Roasted Duck on the menu, I knew that would be my choice. Served with Vadouvan carrots, wheat berries, sour cherry and port reduction. Vadouvan is a French Masala Curry Powder with a little kick. The blending of classic curry spices with aromatic onion, garlic, and shallot. It is ground to fine powder. Medium rare and chrispy on top is how it was presented. So delicious, I want to go back.
The Grilled Venison Loin also caused a “Stir” because just like the duck it was perfectly cooked, as well. A currant and pink peppercorn gastrique, castle valley grits, and brased rainbow chard complemented the venison.
We did not have dessert. But, we did have wine. Our server was friendly and his suggestions were on point.
But we had a tour to catch. Isn’t it great when a restaurant delivers such a good experience?
Anyway, remember that there is an AboutMyBeaches FaceBook page and if you like it will be much appreciated.
Until then…..Spring is around the corner.
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Each piece is tailored specifically for the client. “The word ‘haute’ means high, in the sense of high class. “Couture” refers primarily to designers or couturiers and dressmaking that’s made to order.”
For example, above, you see dresses for the Spring of 1948 designed by Christian Dior. The pink one was a new revolutionary “Look” geared to the active life of the day. A little different from what I call active, but what do I know, right? I am just writing a post.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Website? http://www.philamuseum.org
This particular exhibit is called Fabulous Fashions and will be there until March 3rd. From the Delaware Beaches it is about 2 1/2 hours and an easy trip to say the least. Grab a friend and go. That’s what I did. Cindi and I had the best time. Not overly scheduled, just enjoying a winter day in the city.
The starting price for haute couture is $30,000. Long hours of work can hike that price, as will also the embellishments chosen.
For example the photo above shown at the exhibit is called “Sea Fan Fantasy”. Designed by Tina Leser, and American designer for Edwin H. Foreman, Inc. It was hand-painted and spray-painted cellulose acetate plain weave with metallic sequins. Ms. Leser was from Philadelphia and liked to incorporate exotic elements from her travels. This was gown was indicative of the fashion trends of 1947.
Fashion trends keep changing. But what goes around comes around. When I looked at the above fashions I can see them being worn in 2019. On the first photo, the dress with the horizontal stripes was originally designed in 1952 and later on reinterpreted in 2013. In 2013 Francisco Costa, creative director for Calvin Kline and designer Ellsworth Kelly, modernized the look a bit. The original dress was longer and had a light blue band on the bottom.
Anne Fogarty was the designer for the above pictured dress. She started out as a model and was from Pennsylvania. She became well-known for full skirted designs with fitted bodices. She was inspired by Dior. This dress was her own and was so tiny that the Museum needed to make a special manequin.
The evening dress on the left was designed by Ives Saint Laurent for his Fall/Winter 10th collection 1966-67. He was 30 years old and the dress was meant to speak for the moment…”here today, gone tomorrow, young, amused”.
The gold dress on the right, I had never heard of the American designer Vicky Tiel. This dress was designed in 1989. Her signature style was the draping and construction for the glorification of the female body. Her favorite was a low, strapless neckline. She is still active in Paris.
The accessories that make or break a design…texture, color, and design.
The shoes date from 1991 and the purse circa 1955-65.
Major designers also design hats. Here are some from Balenciaga, Givenchy, Nan Duskin, Stephen Jones.
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, was from Philadelphia. Her dress is a classic and was designed by Helen Rose who was an American costume designer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The dress was donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is very delicate now and they don’t really bring it out much. But the next photo will show her headpiece made also by Helen Rose, the shoes designed by David Evins, an American, born in England, with a copper penny encased in the right shoe for good luck, and a Bride’s Manual decorated by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This was a gift to her from a family friend from Chestnut Hill. She also carried a small bouquet of lillies of the valley.
We took a tour and I recomment it very much. Maybe you should call for the tour hours as they are not offered on an hourly basis. Then, you may want to have something to eat there as well. That is another post in the making.
Until then…check my Facebook Page AboutMyBeaches. Would love it if you decide to Like it.
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