ROBERTO CAPUCCI + PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART

Capucci referred to his fashions as a study in form.

Known as the best Italian designer and for his "vigor, imagination, and uninhibited originality", Roberto Capucci is credited as one of the founding fathers of modern Italian fashion. He was born in the 1930s, established his reputation in the '50s, and today, six decades later, is still regarded as one of the most influential innovators in the industry. Capucci's generous use of color, extravagant use of materials such as stones and plastic, and references to art and architecture (e.g., origami technique, the fluted doric column) set him apart from his contempories and earned the praise of the likes of Christian Dior. Capucci's imaginative works will soon be exhibited at Philadelphia's famed Museum of Art. The collection comprises over 80 Capucci creations including drawings, sketches, couture designs, and sculptures. It is the first such exhibit of the designer's work in the United States. Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion, will be shown from March 16th - June 5th in the Dorrance Special Exhibition Galleries, first floor of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

OBJET D'ART: FLIGHT OF FANCY

I've searched high and low for the cape above to no avail. It originated from this blog, which is sublime by the way (I assume it's written by a man, but maybe not). On it he shares his favorite images, his favorite things, but doesn't use titles, there's hardly any text and the photos are random (or so he says). I wish I knew more about this cape (and that blog). What type of feathers are those, exactly? It's vintage, obvi, but when was it made? Who conceived of it? Should it be worn or displayed? For whom was it made?

Update: I've found out more about this fantastic cape! The information below was taken from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's website.

Designer: George Peter Stavropoulos (American, born Greece, 1920–1990)
Object Name: Cape, Evening
Date: ca. 1979
Culture: American
Medium: feathers, silk
Dimensions: L. at center back 20 in. (50.7 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Barbara B. Brickman, 1997
Accession Number: 1997.262

VOGUE ITALIA'S BLACK ALLURE

Further to the strides they have already made in ensuring that black models are represented in greater numbers, and in connection with their efforts to enable the voice of fashion's marginalized -- and giving an audience to those voices-- Vogue Italia has done it again! The Magazine's "Black Allure" spread, which is included in the February issue, features models Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn and other ebony beauties.

"Black Allure" was styled by Edward Enninful and photographed by Emma Summerton. Rumor has it that an all-black issue is in the works at American Vogue . . . only time will tell! Props, again, to Vogue Italia. Grazie! Click "read more" below to see additional pictures!

PREVIEW: MARA HOFFMAN SWIM SPRING 2011 COLLECTION

This was all the help I needed to visualize an escape from the current weather in the Northeast. Mara Hoffman, known for her bold prints and fearless use of color has launched an African inspired Spring Swim 2011 collection!

Inspired by the Ndebele tribe from South Africa and Zimbabwe, by their house painting in particular, Ms. Hoffman incorporated etchings that are reminiscent of mud cloth and a web print that suggests batik. Never fear, if you're not feeling fashion-forward each style will be available in basic black, white or blue.

Want to see more? Have a look at the Spring 2011 Lookbook over at Fashionologie. Click "read more" below to see where to purchase and to view additional pictures of the collection!