Fashion Icon: The Match Issue

The week following the NYC Spring 2001 collections was the perfect time for Damien Hirst to "stage" an accidental close industry comparison. As art imitates fashion and back again, Hirst's foretold use of fish and tanks prompted fashionistas in tow to sport fish earrings, shark print shirts and shark plastic purses. Larry Gagosian himself donned a sharkskin suit for the occasion. More door attitude than style darling Miquel Androver could ever conjure, the show was flanked by "the official" Damian Hirst documentary crew, a bevy of art world icons from Max's Kansas City Days, former supermodel Stephanie Seymour with publishing hubby Peter Brandt and the two hosts from new cable venture "The Art Show". Spun á la the Siskel and Ebert of the gallery world, these two hosts cover the scene for you, so you can stay cozy at home.

When worlds collide.

As more proof of artful imitation, artist Brigitte Riley's influence shines like a colorful beacon in the camel clad horizon and is inspirationally yours via Reconnaissanceuntil June 17 at NYC's DIA Center (548 West 22nd Street. Open Wed-Sun 12-6). With her heyday in the 1960s, Riley has been known to inspire everyone from Paul Smith to the GAP.

Left to right: Entice 2, 1974 Collection of Camille Oliver-Hoffman, Chicago; Breath, 1966. Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam; Andante 1, 1980. Courtesy of Schubert Gallery, London. Photo Bill Jacobson. ©Bridget Riley

GAP's arch rival Banana Republic - has a niche market trick up its sleeve. Banana has been hosting office based wardrobe parties - akin to tupperware - where you can now buy your own "business casual" attire without leaving your floor. Flashback to spring when a memo flew like wildfire from desk to desk through corporate America - announcing freedom to all that could stand it - weaving as much of casual Friday into the whole week as possible. Just as they opened the pearly gates - to the christening of "business casual" - office workers can still choose to avoid all that daunting freedom of style choice - and continue to blend in perfectly.
All Banana, all the time.