Monday, August 16, 2004
Art and Fashion:
"Do art and fashion make strange bedfellows? Of course not, and
certainly, fashion designer Sylvia Heisel, who once studied art
history, has been in business for about 20 years, and is known for
her modern, youthful and luxurious separates, and New York artist
Patricia Jacobs (better known as PJ Cobbs) think there could not be
a more perfect combo.
The two talented women, longtime friends, have recently entered into
a collaboration, the result of which is a couture like limited
edition collection of ‘Fast Couture’ comprised of hand-painted ready
to wear featuring PJ’s abstract “splatter patterns” (which bring to
mind Jackson Pollack) rendered on silk organza. The well-edited
line, which will be available in stores come September, will focus
on small jackets and coats with simple lines, all the better to show
off the colorful, bold, and dimensional artwork.
On my recent visit to Sylvia’s showroom, 214 west 39th street, suite
502A, 212-719-3916, I was shown what has to be the ultimate ‘jean
jacket’ because of its sporty ease and simplicity. It is a perfectly
weightless and versatile piece, which can easily go from day to
night. I myself would wear this over (white) jeans, chinos, or cargo
pants, but it can also be thrown over a long gown or ball skirt for
something more formal.
Among Sylvia’s other signature standouts were her group of silk
organza shirts, which retail from $400 to $495. Colorful, pared
down, and timeless, they are a constant, something she always does
because her customers ask for them and rely on them to get them
through the year. I also got to see her “transcultural” resort
collection, filled with global influences. It is a perfect mix of
trends and technology, which is really what fashion is all about
these days.
By the way, the very enterprising PJ, who has been the subject of
several of my columns, has an enviable collection of hand-painted
vintage coats, and for $350, she can even customize a coat of your
own in a selection of three different abstract designs in a choice
of four colors. For more information, contact her at Pjcobbsarts@aol.com."
Posted by Marilyn Kirschner,
Fashion Correspondent
©2009 PJ Cobbs