So. There's a reception at an art gallery in San Francisco tomorrow evening. I am going to attend with my boyfriend in tow, and possibly my older sister. The thing is, art gallery receptions have never been quite my cup of tea. Not that I don't like them - I've just never been!

The gallery currently has an exhibit of my Japanese grandfather's artwork - his surrealist, experimental photographs from 1935 - 1955. This is the first time his work is being shown in the US so it's kind of a big deal. The reception is for his exhibit and frankly, I'm not really sure what to expect at all. Are people going to stand around, drink champagne, wear all black, and talk about the Japanese avant-garde? Is it going to be more formal - a sit down sort of thing? I'm going to call later this afternoon but I'd still appreciate input!

I want to do his memory proud, though I'm also anticipating some attention. So the question is, what the hell is appropriate to wear to this thing? I'd rather over-dress than under-dress.

A skirt, sweater, and heels?
A cocktail dress?
Nice pants and flats?

As for my man - a casual suit?
Nice slacks and a jacket?

Should I just say screw it and show up naked? That seems to be in tune with the artwork featured, right?

I want to be a little more conservative for this thing (I can easily pull that card) so that means the piercings will have to come out!

Help, please!

Something 'artistic' yet not trying too hard...

http://www.nattyminx.com/...pening.jpg

You're really pretty, I think white would look better on you then black though.


NOT the belt edit
[Edited 3/1/06 10:29am]

Natsume said:

wear an old trench coat, any color, and staple photographs onto every surface of it. bring a polaroid instant camera with you to the event and take pictures of the other people there, staple the new pictures onto the coat with the old. just my 2c

bizarre said:

I like it! Boho and chic yet casual. I can't pull off white this time of year though, I'm much too pale.

Thanks for the suggestion. You look quite stunning in your profile photo, too.

XxAxX said:

So it's like poetry and art in motion? The question is, do I wear sunglasses with the trenchcoat? I must accessorize accordingly!

I am leaning towards nekkid.....

Natsume said:

exactly! performance art. sunglasses would look nice. perhaps you could accessorize to match the era being highlighted?

mdiver said:

The high in SF tomorrow is supposed to be 53 F (about 12 C)!! Not to mention the expected wind and rain! I'm going to freeze my hiney off!

since it is your grandfather's exhibit wear something you wouldn't mind being photographed in. If you are too pale for white then stay away from black too. wear a rich color, dark brown, cream burgandy if you have it in your wardrobe, slacks or skirt, accessories etc...artsy.

I went to an opening for a friend once and everyone was dressed differently, from cocktail dresses to jeans. BUT since you are family no jeans.

hope I ws helpful

XxAxX said:

Here is one of the pieces being shown. Maybe I should show up dressed like her? It's quite stunning, really.

Natsume said:

Pam it's art.....you have to make sacrifices.....c'mon!

Who can see a scary resemblance?




Well, minus the beer can and drag queen makeup, but you catch my drift.

butterfli25 said:

I didn't even think about being photographed!

I have a vintage dark/dusty red dress that my grandmother made in the 60s from leftover drapery samples (I know, total gone with the wind style ). It might be very appropriate!

You're right, I should stay away from black. It's too much my staple color plus it might look too dreary. Thanks for the great tips

awww, yes I see it!

you are very welcomed

bizarre said:

can i just say that i LOVE this and will create a similar outfit! (but yes, different belt)

and i think you'd look great in this with a nice scarf in your hair nat

and on the other hand, butterfli25's idea is great too

you have many possibilities with warm earthy tones...

I loved the suggestion from the nattymix photo, but being that you will be part of the center of attention, I cannot stress more than ever that your hair, manicure,and make-up must be PERFECT in case a photo op or two will be required of you.

Since this is taking place in the evening,black, at an art function, is ALWAYS appropriate, particularly given the weather you're working with. If you're in the mood for a dress, then by all means please make it simple like a black shift or something similar.....also, art showings are WONDERFUL places to show off your kookiest jewelry...when I go to showings from my agent's gallery (she also represents European fashion and fine art photographers) I almost ALWAYS pull out one or two pieces of obnoxiously large costume jewelry, be it an insanely large ring, a brooch, a ridiculously oversized necklace, but whatever it is, against a simple sea of black clothing, with a killer shoe and simple bag.

Against your black,you can also choose one item to cordinate with it that has a slpash of color,like maybe your shoe, your evening bag or a fabulous coat. The simpler your outfit, the more fabulous your coat should be. If you don't have a funky designer one on hand, then by all means, get thee to a funky thrift store a find something ----trench, swing, a-line, whatever suits you.

Your man can make it through the night with a black suit and casual shirt. His shoes can be as irreverent as he wants them to be,as he's already filled his "appropriateness quotient" by way of the dark suit.....

Ottensen said:

Right on with the suggestions. You're giving me SO much to work with and I really appreciate it. I'm thinking a black 50s style cocktail dress with smoky eyes and pearls all around and my hair pulled back. I'm unsure of the shoes, though. I want one piece of extravagance but I'm not sure what it should be. Plus, I don't have a whole lot to choose from - most of my wardrobe consists of California casual!

My boyfriend called the gallery and he said it sounds pretty informal and the public just drops in and out. Still, I'd like to look nice, if only in memory of my grandfather and his work.

bizarre said:

go with that!

Natsume said:

you are not too pale for black - just the opposite... but if not black something else classicaly styled.
and sweep up your hair - this is where you can show your youth with bits sticking out or a lock hanging down. i like sticks but would it work here?
and i love the big bling jewlery idea

most of all enjoy and be proud of your grandfather!