In 2012, Revista Imagen and the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico commissioned a group of talented Fashion Designers to each create a dress based on an iconic work of art in their permanent collection. The designs were then auctioned to raise money for the museum.
Hector Omar, Dress inspired by Cranach’s Judith with the head of Holofernes, 2012, Twill satin striped with ocher and burgundy colors and detailed pailletes, designed for Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce, PR
Behold the creation of Hector Omar, inspired by one of my MOST favorite portraits of Judith in the world – the Cranach with the long neck – discussed January 19, 2012.
Hector Omar, Dress inspired by Cranach’s Judith with the head of Holofernes, 2012
Lucas Cranach Elder, (1472-1553) “Judith with the head of Holofernes”, c.1537, Oil on panel, 91.4 x 63.5 cm, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico
I’ll be honest about two things. First, I do not have anywhere to go where I could wear this dress. Okay, maybe once or twice a year I could come up with a place to go that is deserving of something elegant. Even then the second thing deserving honesty is: I don’t think this is my size. But assuming I get one arm and a leg in the garment, I would love to see the effect of the pailletes (flakes) as I slink into the room and shimmy on the dance floor.
As the designer describes the dress in his own words:
“The work has several elements that describe my aesthetic: fragility, mystery and power. The colors and the theme of death played an important role. The linear contrast is reflected through the lines and the repetition of the effect of pailletes (flakes) which in turn, simulate modern blades that give geometrical and architectural sense. The color provides the dress with a medieval air of royalty, but it remains contemporary and minimalist at once.”
Plus the embellishment would cut down on the need for a necklace. Maybe I could use the money I saved to buy a tiara? Oh yes, this one will do.
Modern Yellow Gold Tiara, diamonds set in yellow gold with orange topaz or green tourmaline interchangeably, Queen Sonja of Norway; from her husband, King Harald V of Norway, on the occasion of her 60th birthday in 1997
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
To follow-up on the progress of Hector Omar, take a look at his collection for Spring Summer 2015 courtesy of Shawn Punch Fashion Photography as well as Omar’s Facebook page.
yes, the title says my name is "Judith, to you." and it's as arrogant as it sounds. that's what happens when a giggley little girl is bestowed a heavy-weight name like Judith. but it's time to own my name. to be Shakespearean and wonder "What's in a name?" to learn about the artwork inspired by the name. to contemplate how a widow in a gleaming gown can decapitate a brute - and not muss her nails. join me in the bumpy ride through history and art and social change, all in the name of Judith.