An exuberant splash of postmodern manifestos culminate here in the works of Milan-based collective, The Memphis Group. Started by the Italian architect Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Memphis was a reaction to the principles of modernism historically characterized by Mies van der Rohe’s doctrine ‘less is more’. The show of statement furniture now on view at Koenig & Clinton clearly proclaims that ‘less is a bore’. Bright colors and contradictory materials provide surprisingly delightful sensory overload. The furniture is a confection of styles from ancient Egyptian to California Funk to 1950s suburbia, it is spirited and shameless. Hence my french twist beehive updo and avocado taffeta Rosie Assoulin gown. My feeling is that eccentric elegance is making a comeback and I for one am thrilled.
Rosie Assoulin dress, Alice & Olivia heels
Koenig & Clinton, The Memphis Group
Hair by Cosma De Marinis, Makeup by Samantha Dametta, Photographs by Jason Gringler