Sensual Saturday

I was perusing my friend Mu's blog last night and found a post she had reposted on the installation of 28,000 potted flowers in an abandoned mental institution by the artist Anna Schuleit. The sensuous installation, appropriately called BLOOM invoked a striking calm, even whimsy, in the entire building that dismissed any decrepit prejudice that may accompany an abandoned mental hospital. The fragrant perfume of the flowers cancelled out any traditional stink accompanying the old facility. In pictures of the exhibition, the different colors’ reflection on the different textured walls creates a range in thoughts and emotions perhaps felt by patients and people involved during the hospital’s 91 years of operation. This was assisted by broadcasts over the old telecom system of recorded sounds of the building leading up to is closing in 2003. After the 4 day exhibition, the flowers and sod were donated to psychiatric hospitals, general hospitals, half-way houses, and homeless shelters throughout the surrounding region for many more to enjoy. 

(credit: annaschuleit.com)

Before I did research on BLOOM last night, I thought this post would be more of a "Its lazy Saturday, enjoy yo life!" sort of post. My spirits haven't faltered though and I hope yours haven't either! Take this more as "a stop and smell, see, and hear the roses" sort of message. Its not lazy Saturday, its sensual Saturday! 

xo, 

The Cosseted Pauper 

Channeling Yayoi

(photo credit: Sheila Drakely Photography)

Today's outfit reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Her work spans many mediums and infuses the avante grade with influences of pop art, sensuality, and her own inner workings. A majority (if not all) of her work involves the repetition of polka dots, adding a surreal element to naked subjects, structures, a horse, and even herself at points. Yayoi once said "a polka dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon which is calm. Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing. Polka dots become movement… Polka dots are a way to infinity." Although I've only recently started researching her philosophy, I can't help but find her work and polka dots themselves a meaningful harbinger of creativity and resilience.

In recent years, Yayoi has collaborated with beauty giant Lâncome and fashion house Louis Vuitton. 

Although I'm not wearing any of Yayoi's pieces, I paired a few of my favorite dotted pieces together honoring Yayoi's (and my) favorite pattern. 

tweed overcoat from J. Crew Factory (similar here)

vintage dotted tulle dress

black and blue dotted tights from J. Crew (unavailable)

heels from Steve Madden (unavailable)

Enamel black dot cuff from Kate Spade (unavailable, but the ring is very cute) 

xo,

The Cosseted Pauper