Las Meninas

As an omage to the Balenciaga and Spain exhibition at the de Young in San Francisco, and in light of the recent Royal Wedding (because after all royals are royals), I have chosen Diego Velázquez' Las Meninas as my next painting.  I saw Las Meninas in all its glory at the Prado last summer.  It is a huge painting, and quite incredible.  For some, Velázquez, or Vay-lath-kez if you want to be Madrileño about it, is the most important painter of all time.  He was hugely inspirational to Picasso, and indeed as I found out at the de Young exhibit, Balenciaga was influenced by the painting as well.  Interestingly, Picasso was also an influence on Balenciaga.  After five days in Madrid, I was in love with the Infanta.  She was everywhere.  And I can not resist a little girl in such an opulent gown so sure of her own royalty that she need not look at anyone waiting in her.  Nothing is more haughtily royal than turning your head one way and reaching your hand out in the other.  Isn't it just awful being a commoner?

A little Marie-Antoinette to start

I have to start out with an absolutely edible, amazingly gorgeous painting: Marie-Antoinette 'a la rose' by Vigee le Brun.  I saw it when it came to the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco and could not live without a poster of it in my room.  It's too fabulous.  Marie-Antoinette is too fabulous.  So I thought about the painting and what lovely things I would love to have/afford to "go with it." Like an 'a la rose' lifestyle. I made a collage of it all and then I will break it down into parts.  What to wear to the museum (or Versailles if you see it in its home), the makeup, what to eat after, what to put in your living room...

A la Rose Lifestyle Collage

Maire-Antoinette 'a la rose'

Marie-Antoinette 'a la rose' by Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, Chateau de Versaille et de Trianon, Versailles, France.

This is the painting... It's so beautiful to look at. Vigee Le Brun was an incredible artist, and female at that!  She has many wonderful paintings of Marie-Antoinette and her family.

the Makeup

 

To get that rosy Marie-Antoinette look, from left: Givenchy Blush Gelee, in Candide Pink (available at sephora.com), Diorskin Nude Fresh Powder Makeup (dior.com) and Clinique Chubby Stick moisturizing lip balm in Super Strawberry (clinique.com)

I really want the limited edition Givenchy Blush Gelee.  My Mom says gelee blend in better than powders, so I might just have to go for it.  The Clinique chubby sticks are cute. May have to try those too...

The Dress

 

A gorgeous Nina Ricci ensenble that I believe Madame Marie-Antoinette would love.  The poufyness of the top takes cues from Marie's neckline and her flamboyant headdress.  The skirt has a lovely bow just like the one along MA's bust line.  You could wear this to the museum, fit in gorgeously with the painting, but not look silly when you leave as there is a modernity to it that makes it work almost anywhere. I want it. (photo from Style.com, Nina Ricci Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection)

Tea Time!

From left: Mariage Freres Eros tea (mariagefreres.com), Laduree macaroons (laduree.fr), Millefleurs Tea Cup by Gien (available at michealcfina.com)

It's time for tea a la francaise! The painting makes me want some Mariage Freres tea and some Laduree macaroons.  Of course, its no fun unless you have a gorgeous cup to drink out of.  Mariage Frere's Eros tea is my absolute favorite.  It is a delicately perfumed black tea.  Very fruity and flowery.  And to go with - some macaroons from Laduree: rose, orange blossom and pistachio.  Rose and orange blossom are my favorite, but I think a little green is needed (hence, pistachio).  Last summer when I was in Paris I was obsessed with getting macaroons at the Laduree on Rue Bonaparte in the little collection boxes they have.  They are so cute.  But, I have to confess, the macaroons taste the best when you get them in a bag and eat them on the way home!

a touch of modernity

Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Armchair, (dwr.com), iPod shuffle (apple.com)
A little modernismo goes a long way.  Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chair is everyone's favorite for a reason: its AWESOME. The man is a genius.  He figured out how to make something so familiar, so classic, so iconic - modern again.  And in so doing his chair has become iconic.  Incredible. You could totally drink your marriage freres and eat your laduree in this chair.  And on the way to/back from the museum you could listen to the Marie Antoinette soundtrack on your iPod shuffle (any color would work, really)

look at what I made!

I have recently become obsessed with sewing pretty pillow cases (don't ask).  This is one I made to go with the painting.  The greens are meant to go with the background and complement the dress.  And the rose, is well, the rose. A la rose! With silk ribbon falling down just as in the painting.

to get in the mood...

 

Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser, Queen of Fashion by Caroline Weber, Marie Antoinette Film and Sountrack written and directed by Sofia Coppola (all available at amazon.com)

Read, Watch, Listen.  Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser and Queen of Fashion by Caroline Weber. Fraser's book is what Sofia Coppola used to for the movie.  Personally I prefer Caroline Weber's book, its a great read, and it focuses specifically on fashion's role in Marie-Antoinette's life, which is probably why I like it better.  Both are invaluable resources for learning about Marie. Of course, you can not help but watch and enjoy Sofia Coppola's movie.  The entire film is candy color, it's too incredible to describe. And the soundtrack. The woman has an incredible knack for music. It's the best.