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Anthony Elms Talks ICA's 'White Petals'

The ICA Curator gives a glimpse into the exhibit, explores fashion choices.

May 22, 2013

On view at the University of Pennsylvania Institute of Contemporary Art through July 28, “White Petals Surround Your Yellow Heart” presents a fascinating view into the concepts of adornment, self-presentation, and branding. Drawing inspiration from novelist J.G. Ballard—who defined fashion as “a recognition that nature has endowed us with one skin too few, and that a fully sentient being should wear its nervous system externally”—a group of artists utilized a variety of mediums, from costumes and jewelry to sculptures and paintings, to explore how our sartorial choices reflect our personalities.

Philadelphia Style sat down with the showcase's curator, Anthony Elms, to discuss the group exhibition and what visitors can expect.

Where does the title “White Petals Surround Your Yellow Heart” derive from?
ANTHONY ELMS: The title comes from one of the many translations of, and versions of, the Narcissus myth. When it is clear that Narcissus cannot pull himself away from his own reflection, some versions say he dies, and is transformed into the narcissus flower (white petals, a yellow center); in other versions he is transformed into the flower. The version I quote might be worded somewhere between a warning and a promise.

Describe the theme behind the exhibition.
AE: Simply put, I hope, while how we dress or adorn—with jewelry, perfume, etc.—ourselves does not necessarily express something authentic about ourselves, it is a tool we all use to craft where we want to be politically, socially, sexually, economically, and perhaps most importantly, aspirationally. We can invent new spaces and new identities simply through paying attention to how we look in the mirror.

How do you interpret J.G. Ballard's quote that inspired the exhibition?
AE: J.G. Ballard is a writer who has always inspired me. I need to admit that I have been thinking about this quote for well over 20 years. If I could really answer this question, I probably wouldn't still be thinking about definition. I know it feels right, and while it is perhaps difficult to directly fix an exact meaning to Ballard's words, they ring true. The nervous system is an amazingly ornate and complicated and delicate and essential part of our bodies. And this is no less true for the ways we adorn our bodies. If the nervous system drives how we react with and recoil from stimulus in the world, I think our fashions are how we attract or repeal others—in other words, how we react to the world. Our plumage pales when you consider that of some species.

What is your favorite piece from “White Petals” and why?
AE: I can't name a favorite piece. All of the artists, and all of their works, were selected because they have something to say not just in-and-of themselves, but also together. They come together and offer a richness in the way they relate. Each of the artists needed to be in the exhibition, and each of the pieces has a distinct presence. They are all favorites.

What can visitors expect from this exhibition?
AE: Works from across a range of media by artists from a range of locations, ages, and experiences that have all, at some point, engaged with the many ways we adorn ourselves. Not just in fashion, as we think about it through the pages of a fashion magazine, but all the ways our clothes and jewelry can be a part of what we make ourselves to be. Hopefully some of the things will be confusing, others engaging, some beautiful, others a sharp wit, and a time or two, all of the above at once.

“White Petals Surround Your Yellow Heart” is on display through July 28 at the Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. at the University of Pennsylvania, 215-898-7108. Admission is free every day.

By Alexandra Leshner

 

Fitness Fundraiser: Optimal in Motion

Exercise for a good cause with this all-day event from FBPH and Optimal Sport Health Clubs.

May 17, 2013

Optimal in Motion fitness classes.
Optimal Sport Health Clubs will offer a variety of fitness classes that will whip you into shape and support a good cause.

Philadelphia fitness organization, Optimal Sport Health Clubs, will join the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health (FBPH) for an all-day fitness fundraiser, Optimal in Motion, on Wednesday, May 22.

A variety of exercise classes—including cycling, zumba, yoga, and bootcamp—will take place from early morning through the evening hours in order to accommodate the schedules of all participants. Optimal Sport is also encouraging partakers to gain sponsors to contribute to the cause; the individual who raises the most funds will win a free one-year membership to the premier health club. 

With four locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, fitness enthusiasts of all levels can sweat to support the advancement of breast and prostate cancer research and treatment. “It is our hope that through events like [Optimal in Motion] we elevate awareness and educate the public,” says Colleen Daley, executive director of FBPH. “The funds raised at this event will allow us to underwrite grants to local hospitals that provide free prostate screening for men of the Delaware Valley, and the Fund for Living that provides assistance to women with breast cancer and their families by helping to cover unique problems associated with their care that may not be covered by traditional insurance.”

A minimum donation of $20 is suggested, and a select few of the classes require reservations. For the complete schedule and to reserve your spot, visit optimalinmotion.com. Curtis Center, 601 Walnut St. LL30, 215-238-5751; The Philadelphia Building, 1315 Walnut St., 215-735-1114; 2132 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown, 215-579-7600; 2501 Mt. Holly Rd., Burlington, NJ, 609-239-6900

—Michelle Mass

 

Talented Actresses Talk Mame at BCP

A show featuring Andrea McArdle and Lea DeLaria kicks off Bucks County Playhouse's season.

May 13, 2013

As the kickoff to the Bucks County Playhouse's summer season, veteran actresses Andrea McArdle and Lea DeLaria light up the stage in Mame, a musical that follows the wealthy/flighty Mame Dennis (McArdle) as she is unexpectedly left to care for her orphaned 10-year-old nephew—with a dose of support from her hilarious best friend/“world’s biggest lush” Vera Charles (DeLaria). Philadelphia Style sat down with the leading ladies to find out more about their characters, what it’s like to perform in Philadelphia, and more.

Tell us how your prior experiences in movies, TV shows, and Broadway, have shaped your careers?
ANDREA MCARDLE: Annie on Broadway was just magical for me. I was sharing the stage with the best of the best, it was an iconic show—this kind of thing is so rare. It's made me grateful for every second.
LEA DELARIA: I was the first openly gay comic to perform on TV in the US. That projected me right into the limelight in an aggressive way. I was regularly seen in sitcoms and movies throughout the ‘90s, then George Wolfe cast me as Hildy in the Broadway revival of On the Town, and I’ve never looked back. New York theater allowed me to sing, act, [and] play both men and women; straight and gay.

How did you get involved with the Bucks County Playhouse?
LD: Jed Bernstein has revitalized the playhouse. He called me to do the Vagina Monologues and Andrea was in that as well. As soon as she told me she was doing Mame, I called my manager to say I wanted to play Vera. Just the thought of us doing “Bosom Buddies” [a song between McArdle and DeLaria’s characters in Mame] made me squeal like a little girl.
AM: The playhouse is my legacy. I was there way back when, but I've returned because it’s doing great work, and I adore Jed.

What can audience members expect from Mame?
LD: It is a truly fun two-and-a-half hours of music, dancing, and over-consumption of booze.
AM: Yeah, the audience is really going to get a treat, this cast is a wonder and Jerry Herman's music will transport them.

Can either of you relate at all to the characters you play in Mame?
AM: Oh, so much so, I totally relate to Mame—she is a woman who becomes a woman when she is forced to become a "mother" to a little boy. This child enables her in becoming a true heroine.
LD: Vera Charles is New York City. She is sophisticated, stoned, and scintillating. I, on the other hand, am fiercely loyal to my friends, and I will always speak my mind…so no, I don’t relate to her at all!

How does it feel to perform in Philadelphia?
AM: I'm a Philly girl so performing here is always a gift! I just love this town, every step of it. Richard Jay-Alexander, the director of my cabaret show demanded that I be honest—well, Philly keeps me honest! Philly will always be my home.
LD: The audiences here are warm and quick and delightful. In fact, the other night when I went out for my bow, I brought a Philly Soft Pretzel [with me] and took a big bite out of it. The audience cheered. You could really feel how they loved that tribute to one of the town’s biggest draws. Then Andrea came out, took it from me and took a huge bite, and they rose to their feet!

Mame plays May 23-June 9 at the Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope, 215-862-2121. Tickets ($29-58) are available on bcptheater.org

—Michelle Mass
Photography by Mandee Kuenzle, Bucks County Playhouse

 

Whipped Bakeshop's Creative Cupcakes

The Fishtown bakery celebrates The Great Gatsby and Mother’s Day with specialty sweets.

May 10, 2013

In celebration of today’s release of The Great Gatsby, Whipped Bakeshop has created a limited-edition cupcake that embodies the refined yet quirky character of the film’s leading lady, Daisy Buchanan.

Dubbed The Drunken Daisy, the cupcake is comprised of an almond pound cake chock full of homemade apricot preserves, and frosted with an apricot-brandy buttercream that’s been cleverly piped into the shape of a delicate, blush-colored daisy. The confection is finished off with a dusting of coral sugar and edible gold glitter.

“We love The Drunken Daisy cupcake because it’s glittery, boozy, and generally a lot of fun,” says Whipped Bakeshop owner Zoe Lukas. “It’s iced to look like an apricot-hued daisy, so we think it makes a lovely and delicious Mother’s Day treat as well.”

Speaking of Mother’s Day, Whipped is celebrating the leading lady in your life with specialty cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Show mom you’re sweet on her with Spring Bouquet Cupcakes, a set of 12 daffodil-adorned treats made from vanilla-buttermilk cake, raspberry jam, vanilla meringue buttercream, and bittersweet ganache. Or, if she prefers cakes, order the iced Lovely Lily Cake that features hand-painted lily blossoms and buttercream frosting. 636 Belgrade St., Fishtown, 215-598-5449

—Michelle Mass

 

Mother's Day Dining in Philadelphia

Treat your mom to one of these special Mother's Day menus on Sunday, May 12.

May 08, 2013

—Alexandra Leshner

 

Nicole Miller Debuts Philadelphia Print

The Philadelphia-native designer held an exclusive launch event at her Bellevue boutique.

May 02, 2013

On April 27, guests gathered at Nicole Miller Bellevue for the exclusive launch of the designer's limited-edition 2013 Philadelphia print collection. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, shopping, product signing, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Miller herself before she was recognized later that evening at Philadelphia University with the Spirit of Design Award.

“I was incredibly honored,” says Miller, a Philadelphia native. “The talent and innovation the university fosters is truly admirable—I can’t wait to see what the graduates bring to the fashion industry in the years to come!”

—Michelle Mass

 

Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation

Prestigious Philadelphia chefs and mixologists gathered to help end childhood hunger.

April 29, 2013

Guests flocked to Hotel Monaco’s ballroom on Sunday, April 28 for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation event, benefiting the No Kid Hungry campaign. Chaired by chef David Katz of Meme renown, the event brought 25 of Philadelphia’s top chefs and restaurateurs together to help end childhood hunger.

As the largest event for the No Kid Hungry effort in Philadelphia, the evening featured dishes from the likes of Sbraga, Vernick Food & Drink, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, Zahav, Fork, 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge, and many more. Menu items ran the gamut from lamb Rielette with pickled vegetables to a whole roasted pig to a watermelon and red beet cold soup, as well as a special Creekstone Farm beef dish prepared by chef Katz as part of a one-night-only return to the kitchen.

Attendees also enjoyed specialty cocktails, wines, and premium beers crafted by some of the city’s most talented mixologists like Christian Gaal of Emmanuelle, Bess Gulley of Stratus, and Bryant Fennell of Philadelphia Country Club. Drinks on offer included classics like an old fashioned, margarita, and daquiri, in addition to inventive sips like the Blood and Sand.

Meanwhile, a silent auction comprised a summer cookout for 10-12 guests prepared at your home by chef Katz, gift cards to notable restaurants, and sideline tickets to a Philadelphia Union match. All auctioned items benefited No Kid Hungry.

—Michelle Mass

 

Spring Nails at Lacquer Lounge

The Queen Village salon talks gel manis and the return of nail art.

April 29, 2013

Although Lacquer Lounge Nail Bar and Boutique offers a complete range of beauty services—from makeup application to full-body airbrush tanning to a Fiji Island Twist skin soak—manicures and pedicures remain their most popular appointments. The posh pink salon is especially known for their cleanly, health-conscious environment and extensive gel manicure offerings.

In addition to the gel signature mani and pedi service, clients can also opt for a gel French mani or the Forever French mani. But the pièce de résistance is the glamicure—a gel manicure with Dashing Diva Design FX, heat-free application, and gorgeous customizable designs.

Salon owner Lisa McElhone explains that nail art has made a big comeback, losing its stigma. What’s on trend? “Simple patterns, modern French manis with a twist, and metallic finishes,” McElhone says.

After a two-week wear, clients can revisit the salon to have their gel manicures properly soaked off and reapplied to prevent damaging their nails. 501 Fitzwater St., Queen Village, 215-987-3656

—Michelle Mass

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with El Rey

Stephen Starr’s Mexican eatery gets in the spirit with a special menu.

April 29, 2013

Stephen Starr's Mexican restaurant El Rey.
Stephen Starr’s Mexican haunt serves up weekend-long Cinco de Mayo specials.

In celebration of Mexico’s rich heritage and culture, Stephen Starr’s South-of-the-Border-inspired El Rey will offer a special Cinco de Mayo menu from Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. Since chef Dionicio Jimenez is a native of Puebla, Mexico, guests can expect thoroughly authentic fare that will “test their palates and leave nothing to the imagination” Jimenez says.

“I really enjoy educating everyone on the delightful food options I had growing up in Mexico,” the chef explains. “There are so many delicious foods that most would not entertain because they are afraid to try new things. Yet when they come to El Rey to celebrate the ‘Mexican’ holidays, they get to broaden their horizons with wonderful food and real Mexican traditions.”

After digging into El Rey’s fresh, homemade guacamole and chips, you’ll want to sample the many elevated nacho varieties: blue cheese and shrimp with salsa picante and black beans, or lamb and goat cheese with morita salsa and lentils, are two fantastic options. When you’re ready for more, take a taste of chef Jiminez’s tacos—which are jam-packed with spices and full-bodied flavors—or the Vuelve ala Vida, a mix of shrimp, crab, oysters, tuna, and octopus. Lastly, eager eaters must try the enchiladas, which are so sumptuous you’ll want to order seconds. 2013 Chestnut St., Rittenhouse Square, 215-563-3330

—Alexandra Leshner

 

Shape Up with American Laser Skincare

The nationwide skincare clinic has everything you need to look your best come summer.

April 22, 2013

Treatments from American Laser Skincare produce a toned look.
Get your body beach-ready with the variety of treatments available at American Laser Skincare.

Though diet and exercise are a part of many summer slim-down plans, American Laser Skincare offers a variety of alternative options that provide great results in a short amount of time.

“People want to look their best, body-wise, coming into the summer months, and the body treatments that [American Laser Skincare performs] are very effective for getting people ready, says Dr. Paul Flashner, a seasoned physician and the medical director of American Laser Skincare’s Massachusetts-based clinics.

According to Flashner, three of the most popular treatments that clients seek in order to achieve a bikini-body for summer are Zerona, a fat melting technology, VelaShape, a body shaping solution, and GentleMax Pro laser hair removal. All treatments are non-invasive, and have proven to yield results without any negative side effects. Depending on the client’s body type and personal preferences, American Laser Skincare’s professional consultants can advise what types of treatments would be the best fit.

The Zerona treatment is a cold, low-level laser therapy that creates pores in the fat cells, allowing them to liquefy and drain into the lymphatic system. During the process, the laser hovers a few inches above the body and clients are able to relax comfortably while it works. Some of the more common areas treated by Zerona are the abdomen, waist, hips, and arms. “Zerona has been documented to reduce—after six treatments—three and a half inches [from the treated area] on average in the studies that have been done,” says Flashner. It is suggested that a 40-minute Zerona treatment is done every other day, so clients can expect significant results in just under three weeks. 

Similar to Zerona, Velashape is a circumferential reducing solution that uses a combination of radiofrequency, infrared energies, and physical massage to shape the body and reduce cellulite. “The heat energy and the radiofrequency heats up the tissue, allowing the lymphatic [system] to be cleared out by the massage action of [Velashape’s] rollers,” says Flashner. “It has been shown to reduce the circumference [of the treated area] by half an inch to three and a half inches.” The most common areas to be treated by Velashape are the abdomen, inner thighs, buttocks, and love handles. Flashner recommends that the one-hour treatments be performed once a week for between six to nine weeks in order to see full results.

For the utmost in body contouring, Dr. Flashner says combining the two treatments has produced significant results. “We offer Zerona with Velashape—called Zerone Extreme—which is the most effective way to do it because Zerona opens up the fat cells and drains them into the lymphatic system, and then Velashape empties the lymphatics,” he says.

Finally, for those who want the “glass-like appearance” of hairless skin this summer, American Laser Skincare utilizes the GentleMax Pro, the “best hair removal laser available in the marketplace.” The dual laser system offers long-lasting, cost-effective hair removal over the course of six treatments—one every four to six weeks, depending on the area. Since clients are required to stay out of the sun for a week following each treatment, now is the best time to start.

Whatever your body needs in order to look great for summer, American Laser Skincare is ready with trained experts all over the country. “What we do, is all we do, and if people are interested in these treatments there is no better place to get them,” says Flashner.

American Laser Skincare has multiple clinics located in the Greater Philadelphia area. For more information, visit americanlaser.com.

—Alexandra Leshner

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