The Andy Warhol Museum has announced a new exhibition, Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede, which explores the designer and his relationship to Warhol’s art and circle of friends. This takes place as part of a 20th anniversary celebration at the museum.
The exhibition, examines the interconnected lives and creative practices of Andy Warhol and Halston – two American icons who had a profound impact on the development of 20th century art and fashion. The exhibition has been organized by The Warhol and Halston’s niece, Lesley Frowick, and integrates Halston’s garments, including dresses, hats, and other accessories, along with Warhol’s photography, videos and paintings. Not only did Halston collect Warhol’s artwork, which he displayed in his 63rd Street Manhattan townhouse and Montauk retreat rented from Warhol, but Halston was also portrayed in several of Warhol’s artworks. In 1979, Warhol dedicated a chapter of his book, Andy Warhol’s Exposures, to Halston, describing him as the “first All-American fashion designer.”
The exhibition includes approximately 40 of Halston’s creations including an iconic pillbox hat designed for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1961, and his signature Ultrasuede shirtdress, juxtaposed with Warhol’s paintings, photographs, and videos. It also features archival material and ephemera from the archives of The Warhol and the personal collection of Lesley Frowick relating to the two artists’ practices.
Eric Shiner, director of The Warhol states, “We are thrilled to celebrate Halston during our 20th anniversary. Thanks to PNC, which has partnered with The Warhol since 2004, we have been able to share world-class exhibitions from Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years to Deborah Kass: Before and Happily Ever After to Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede, in and outside of Pittsburgh. Halston was by far and away one of Andy’s dearest friends. His fashion sense was impeccable and his designs quite literally defined an age of American glamour. We are so excited to host this groundbreaking exhibition and to bring the best of the fashion world to Pittsburgh.”
Lesley Frowick states, “What a privilege it was to have seen Andy and my uncle together; Andy’s birthday weekend at Montauk, nights out on the town; quiet dinners at home. This exhibition is an endearing insider’s homage to friendship, Pop art and fashion. My uncle left an indelible mark on fashion history and gave me the best seat in the house to watch the show. I will always remember what a determined, generous, funny, and expansive person he was. He put forth his best effort to make the world, and especially the people of his inner circle, as beautiful and comfortable as he could.”
“Whether it is photography, film, painting or fashion, art has the power to positively impact each of our communities. For this reason, we are pleased to continue our collaboration with The Warhol, to help strengthen our community in Pittsburgh and to serve as a catalyst for exporting the cultural vitality of The Warhol to other regions in which we serve,” added Donna Peterman, PNC chief communications officer.
“Whether it is photography, film, painting or fashion, art has the power to positively impact each of our communities. For this reason, we are pleased to continue our collaboration with The Warhol, to help strengthen our community in Pittsburgh and to serve as a catalyst for exporting the cultural vitality of The Warhol to other regions in which we serve,” added Donna Peterman, PNC chief communications officer.
Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede May 18 – August 24, 2014 The Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh