Lady LUX

Designers often look to art for inspiration when designing collections, so why not style an outfit inspired by a piece of art? Currently exhibiting at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), “The Painting Factory: Abstraction After Warhol” explores the recent transformation of abstract painting into one of the most dynamic platforms in contemporary art. The fresh approach was developed at the studio of Andy Warhol, which was known for all sorts of brilliant artistic misfits. After Warhol refocused on painting in the late 1970s and 1980s, he transformed pure abstraction into an impure product that opened up new directions. With works from Sterling Ruby, Julie Mehretu, Mark Bradford and Urs Fischer, the exhibit demonstrates fascinating textures and intriguing color palettes that naturally lend themselves to fashionable looks.

Inspired by Julie Mehretu’s “Black City,” Rachel Pally’s mini caftan dress with a crosshatch print resembles the piece’s patterns. To complement the dress with the accent colors from “Black City”, accessorize with shades of green, orange and blue. Try Alexander Wang’s small golf bag in petrol navy, Adia Kibur’s blue and silver set of 13 bangles in various shades and an orange coral link necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane. Complete the outfit with Giuseppe Zanotti’s open toe pumps in teal.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and MOCA.org

“SP 181” by Sterling Ruby evokes a powerful look with dark shades and hints of mint and pink. Timo Weiland’s baseball tank in lily pad print mimics the texture of Ruby’s piece. Keeping with the palette, pair the tank with Marc by Marc Jacobs’ cropped straight-leg Peggy pants. Add on Gorjana’s Wilshire belt in red violet and Rebecca Minkoff’s mini 5-zip clutch in bright pink to accent the purple, and Kenneth Jay Lane’s light mint thick resin bangle for the green. Tie up the look with Maison Martin Margiela’s raw edge handmade oxfords.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and MOCA.org

Think metal and metallics for Mark Bradford’s “Ghost and Stooges” mixed media collage. Featuring antique sequins that display a metallic texture, Sass & Bide’s the never way maxi dress shines much like Bradford’s art. Accessorize the long silk dress with modern jewelry that reflects the mood, such as Kelly Wearstler’s perforated gunmetal and quartz ring, Citrine by the Stones’ pyrite oval stud earrings and La Mer Collections’ snakeskin ball stud wrap watch. Finish with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s lark zip clutch with metallic pebbled leather and Diane von Furstenberg’s rehani sandals in black and silver.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and MOCA.org

Combining aluminum panel, gesso, acrylic paint, silicone and screws, Urs Fischer’s piece, “Untitled,” boasts textured shades of purple and black. Start with Theory’s lucienne perplexing print pants in black and grey to set the tone. Combine the pants with Cut 25’s open shoulder sweatshirt and enhance with pops of color. Include Rebecca Minkoff’s rumor bag for a bit of purple, while Super Sunglasses’ basic style in velvet moss blends in green. Step into Alexander Wang’s Nadia peep toe sandals and put a ring on it with Vita Fede’s futtoro ring to bring out the full attitude of the “Untitled.”

Tagged in: guides, alexander wang, style, diane von furstenberg, rebecca minkoff, maison martin margiela, adia kibur, gorjana, marc by marc jacbos, kelly wearstler, sass & bide, mark bradford, la mer collections, moca, urs fischer, art inspired, the painting factory: abstraction after warhol, 3.1phillip lim, sterling ruby, julie mehretu,