Women’s Day: Between Abstract & Realism

לקריאת הפוסט בשפה העברית

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I have spent my early childhood years smitten with the world of Ballet. In between schoolwork and dance classes I would listen to the classical pieces, read the books, which some of the great ballets were based on, and watch every documented performance I could find. Back then, no one took notice of the specific role women played in most of these stories. As far as I was concerned, I just wanted to dance.

As a classical ballet student, I knew that someday male dancers and teachers would play a significant role in my training. Luckily (or not, depends on your perspective), history played itself in such a way that I danced with female dancers and instructors until l was almost 14. The notion that Gender is an issue, both in the studio and in the world beyond it, came to me only towards my high school years. It would take some time before I attain the words and means to cope with this realization.

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An all-women-crowd can also be found in Diane Del – pra‘s paintings. The French painter and graphic artist portrays the intimate, mundane moments of women’s lives, pictured solo, or in a group. The contemporary scenarios in which they are situated stand in fascinating contradiction to the traditional style in which these paintings are presented:

Diane refers to Renaissance painters, as well as giants such as Picasso, Matisse, and Hockney as her inspirations for technique and composition. The figures are usually in motion, touching or intertwining, conveying feelings and thoughts that remain ambiguous. Diane says that she is fond of this ambiguity, and that the unique energy she finds in powerful female relationships, has fascinated her from an early age.
The possibility of merging her aesthetic with the aesthetics of other strong entities gives her great pleasure, and challenges her to find the optimal balance between abstract and realism. Down here is such cooperation with Gucci Beauty, and editorial pieces for NicOtine Magazine and Marie Claire.
All pictures are taken from Diane Del – pra‘s Instagram account. 

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Diane has recently cooperated with RUS, a new Spanish clothing brand, the brainchild of the Gutiérrez Monllor sisters. (Mazel Tov!) Patricia and Inés manufacture their beautiful knits in Spain and in Portugal, using Italian yarns such as mohair and alpaca. The sisters share the growing global belief that clothes should be curated selectively, rather than be accumulated massively, hence offer long – lasting high quality pieces. RUS will launch the first collection, FW 2019, by early September, when items will be available online, and in several multi brand stores around the world. Promise to keep you updated.

Patricia and Inés draw inspiration from the exquisite colors of nature and its’ fleeting beauty, as well as from the deep connection between fashion, art and architecture. For this collection, the focal point is the seemingly simple act of getting dressed, elevated here to mystical grounds: The Ritual. An intimate moment, unveiling and covering of body and soul, in preparation for facing the outside world.

In creating the images for this collection, Diane Del – pra tried to encapsulate the balance entailed in getting dressed, between body and garment, skin and fabric, warmth and coldness. The women in these paintings, who embody vigor and frailty, sensuality and spirituality, beautifully express this captivating ritual.

Most of the following pictures are from @rusthebrand Facebook page.

Creative: Patricia Gutiérrez Monllor
Photography: Marina Denisova
Make Up: Michelle Leandra
Model: Lary Mueller

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I didn’t give a damn about going to a party, or being at the party. It was the getting dressed FOR the party, and there is truth and poetry in that.

Iris Apfel

The spectacular Mrs. Apfel, whom I would gladly take to a deserted island with me, and who’s documentary film is a masterpiece of self – love, love for fashion, and a lifesaving sense of humor, thinks all the fun rests in getting dressed.

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