de Young Saturdate

I can't believe school's already started. I'm just happy to have spent the last few days of summer vacation with my best friend, Camille. On Saturday, Papa Cali and Mama Julie took Camille, our little cousin Sofia con eFe, and I to the Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at de Young Museum.

de Young Museum entrance

We started our weekend date having lunch at the museum's cafe. Everyone ordered different things. One of us had California King Salmon, the others, Shrimp Louie, Roulet Roti Roasted Chicken, and Porchetta Tartine. Our stomachs were definitely pleased. McCalls truly never disappoints!

We're enjoying our entrees

I'm glad we ate, because the vibrance, creativity, and colors of Gaultier's show would have drained our energy. Those are even understatements for his extraordinary passion and resplendent sense of style. Gaultier's works consisted of a wide array of drama, nudity, sex, darkness, light, all intricately pieced together into different sections of the exhibit. It was beautiful, ineffable, and ironic.

"Nude" gown

Anatomy Dresses by Gaultier couture

Although I have to admit I was creeped out by some of his creations at one point, I respect and admire his art, as well as the diversity of wonderfully aimless and purposeful ideas that flow from his imaginative mind. In addition to nakedness and appreciation for the human body, Gaultier's collection also includes the fictitious and the dreamy.

Red Bead Galleon Hat

Mermaid display

It is no wonder the Jean Paul Gaultier experience received so much hype. His ensembles are not only carefully done and elaborate, but especially uncommon and out-of-this-world! Had I attended the event sooner, I would have come back to more thoroughly appreciate his creations. Unfortunately, we went on Gaultier's second-to-the last showing. It was particularly crowded that day, but Gaultier was surely worth the time and wait.

Camille and I pose with the croissant breakfast dress

Gaultier's fashion exhibit was not the end of our weekend fun though. On our way out, we came across Tamar Assaf's Artist Studio at the Kimball Education Gallery on the ground floor of the museum. Every month, de Young invites artists to display their art forms and interact with the public. We were really lucky. Turns out, Assaf's residency is being sponsored by Winsor & Newton and Blick Art Materials. So all visitors were generously provided with canvas boards, acrylic paint, and palette knives to play with during our visit.

I am obviously not a palette knife painter (notice the way I hold the knife)

Assaf's artworks are focused on conveying the social influence human beings have in positively affecting animal life and the ecological environment. The theme her team also aims to articulate is Bay Invaders: Non-Native Species are Changing the San Francisco Bay Ecosystem. Hence, her art is centered on wildlife, as well as various aquatic species. We spent a good two hours hanging out at the gallery. It was my first time trying palette knife painting, and I thought it was fun and curious attempt.

(L-R) My lion, Sophia's peacock, and Camille's zebra

Overall, I thought my painting didn't come out too bad. I really enjoyed my trip to de Young. Thank you Papa Cali and Mama Julie for taking us, and Tamar for being so friendly and hospitable. Y'all are certainly on top of our summer (or end of summer) highlights. To everyone who wants to share our de Young experience, it's not too late. Jean Paul Gaultier has wrapped up, but Assaf will stay in residence until September the 2nd. What are you waiting for? Check her studio out!

Showing off what we consider our masterpieces (LOL)!

☮ and ♥