Still Life Interrupted: Elliott Landy

Today we have a special guest post from Mr Dotty - that is, my boyfriend Chris. For his first instalment he checks out the Emporio Armani/Elliott Landy exhibition...

He left the house and anxiously checked the time again. As usual, he was running late after a conundrum rendered him paralysed in his underwear.

What should he wear for this thing?

Now that he'd sorted that issue out, the next, and completely beyond his control; a dog, wet after bathing in the canal, operating like a punctured fire hydrant with brownish spurts flying into the chilly air, launching itself towards him. Were chinos ever a good call with waterways and dogs in the world?

Then he was at Emporio Armani and the Elliott Landy collection, the rest of the journey competely uneventful and thus unworthy of comment. An extremely friendly woman greeted him at the door, opened by two pleasant and smartly dressed chaps, and asked his name.

'I don't think I'm on the list,' he said, too quietly. Fortunately greeters are used to people less confident than themselves (because by definition EVERYONE is less confident than them - that's their job) and said 'I'm sure you are (winning smile)'. A quick indicative glance at the invite list -

'Chris Green'
'Yes, here you are.'
As if it were the most natural conversation in the world (which it was).

He walked around the gallery in a striped t-shirt, chinos and brown boots (don't worry, I know where I am) supping from a complimentary Peroni, marvelling at the photography on offer. If I get the chance to tell people about this, particularly a large audience, I'm going to recommend everyone come and see it, he thought to himself.


Janis Joplin
A man in a suit walked over and asked if they were his pictures. He played along and said they were, and an amusing moment ensued where he adopted the persona of another man for his audience and tried to mimic his behaviours based on what sort of guy he thought Elliott Landy was. They grinned and went their separate ways, the set piece (and alcohol) having settled his nerves somewhat.

He spent the next hour or so checking out the remarkable images on offer. He scribbled down a particular irony in Landy using infrared, a photographic technique perfected by the CIA for tracing heat residues, in capturing some of the central figures in western counterculture, like Dylan, Joplin and Hendrix. He loved the effect the technique had in reducing physical movement to etheral streaks and curved flashes oflight, creating impressions of sonic physicality and in some cases removing the creator from the act. There was something weirdly profound in that, he felt.

 
Ornette Coleman & son
As he stared at a picture of Bob Dylan surrounded by warm hazy pink blossom, he realised how influential Landy had been in creating this artwork. It was as though as Landy were umbilically attached to the Summer of Love and now its ideas and philosophies were his lfeblood. He couldn't imagine the era of these legends being captured in any other way and that, surely, was the mark of genius that only a few possessed. 

Mostly, however, he noticed he was really prone to monologues. He put it down to the influence of weblog culture.

 
John Lee Hooker
Elliott Lady's collection is available to view at Emporio Armani, Spinningfields until Monday 7th May. These JPEGs will be disappearing then so view the exhibition while you can!

Dotty's Diary: April-May 2012

Synchronise your diaries, fashionistas of Manchester! Over the next month there are plenty of opportunities to clear space in your wardrobe, add to it for bargain prices, do your bit for charity, and satisfy your arty urges.. all whilst looking fabulous, and more than likely supping on a goblet of champagne.


Do good and look good with TK Maxx's Fashion Exchange evening at the Birdcage, Manchester. I'm sure you all have plenty of clothes lurking in your wardrobes you no longer wear (not me.. not any more!) so Give Up Clothes For Good in aid of Cancer Research UK. A £5 ticket gets you access to the fashion show, stylist advice, "Pimp My Purchase" lessons, and of course the clothes swap - free to those bringing three items of clothing or more to swap, £2 an item to those without. The more tickets to this event are sold, the more items of clothing Pearl pledges to swap. Seriously, girls.. have you seen this lady's wardrobe?!

If you fancy heading into disco territory on the 26th then take yourself to Funky Town - or rather the heart of Cheshire, where independent boutique Bottega are holding a 1970s-inspired glamorous fashion show. Designers featured will be London-based cordwainer Cleo B, swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, and cool girls' go-to We Are Handsome. The fashion show begins at 7.30pm at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, and is in support of Claire House Children's Hospice. 

I'm a big fan of indies and this is actually only ten minutes from my parents' house, so I am doubly excited about this one. Cleo B will also be holding their spring/summer shopping event in the Castle on the 27th & 28th.  

Another independent doing their bit for charity (take note, multinationals!) is Wilmslow wonders Black White Denim. BWD add a dash of pink by collaborating wth the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention appeal by holding a two day sale at The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, offering upto 60% off brands such as Acne, Carven, and rag & bone; only all of my favourites, then. With catwalks at 11am and 1pm on both days (featuring professional models and cancer conquerers) and 10% of each sale going to the Genesis Appeal, this is sure to be a day of feel-good fashion fun. I also heard a rumour of a celebrity appearance or two.. but you didn't hear that from me!

 

Racing season is well and truly upon us, next up being Chester Races. Chester-based boutique The éditeur are holding a pre-races fashion show on the 3rd, showcasing picks from the very best of races style. After browsing through their website I found a refreshing mix of designers (such as Michael Kors, Tibi, Halston Heritage, Sam Edelman and Rebecca Minkoff) and I look forward to seeing them styled up on the runway. The éditeur's niche is beautiful underwear, and they believe your undergarments should be the first consideration when dressing. Despite mainly owning faded Marks & Sparks unmentionables I agree; nothing spoils a perfectly put-together outfit like a visible panty line, or even a visible bra line. 

Enjoy a three-course meal plus fashion show at Chester Racecourse's 1539 Restaurant & Bar, priced at £25, booked through restaurant1539.co.uk.

 

 After a successful foray into musical endeavours, Spinningfield's Emporio Armani store are dipping their toes into photography exhibition. From the 4th-7th May 'Icons from Woodstock' will exhibit an exclusive selection of portraits by American photographer and artist, Elliott Landy. Ever heard of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, or Eric Clapton? ("yeah, duh", I hear you say) Well, these guys were merely rising stars when photographed by Landy. In 1969 he was official photographer for Woodstock Festival, where he created portraits using a special procedure invented by the CIA - infrared - with a strong contrast of bright colours. Eat your heart out Instagram. 

I am so excited for the next month in Manchester, and I hope that you are now, too. This is to become a monthly feature on Fashion Dotty so if you would like me to include your event for May-June, please drop me a line!

Emporio Armani Live

Finally, I have now handed in all of this term's university work! Due to my brain being thoroughly immersed in assignments recently I've missed some exciting Manchester events, one of which was Emporio Armani Live on the 24th November.

The Spinningfields store is one of my favourites in the city, and on more than occasion I've excitedly exclaimed "I love this retail space!!" to a bewildered sales assistant. Browsing the achingly chic, beautifully merchandised glass-walled space brings calm when I'm agitated, and inspires when I'm feeling prosaic. Imagine my surprise when I heard this place was due to host a musical event - surely all the divine stock would not just be shoved to the side?

Thankfully, the pictures play out a rather more elegant story. The space suits being a stage, and the clothing rails and mannequins become an innovative, alluring backdrop to enhance the musicians' acts.







Egyptian Hip Hop, Josh Bray and Polarsets all look extremely dapper in their Emporio Armani threads, plus Slow Club and JP Cooper played on the night, too.

Next time you're in the Spinningfields area, slink into the store and absorb some of the opulence it oozes. Let's hope this becomes a regular affair for Emporio Armani!