Tucson Modernism Week 2014 | Vintage Style Exhibit Part 1

Another year has come and gone, and the beautiful desert nights of October have graced Tucson with their presence. What that means is...Tucson Modernism Week, a two week long series of events, dedicated to the preservation and design of all things mid-century modern. Some of those categories are homage to architecture, furniture, fashion and cars. You know the good stuff!

My contribution to this wonderful event is the vintage style exhibit, where I produce, curate and style a lovely show, complete with stand still models and a set of vintage mid-century fashions that will feast your eyes. Below is Part 1 of the show, the behind the scenes footage, shot by my creative comrade Puspa Lohmeyer. Enjoy!

Credits:

Photographer: Puspa Lohmeyer

Creative Director + Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Hair: Raul Mendoza

Wardrobe: Black Cat Vintage | Razzle Dazzle Vintage | How Sweet it Was Vintage | Desert Vintage | Buffalo Exchange

Models: Kelsey Hagan | Ariel Robinson | Lindsey Meredith | Savanah Impellizzeri | Rachel Vague | Megan Russell | Niki Freeman

Alexander Calder

image via

I have been a long admirier of the mid century work of artists Alexander Calder, who is credited as part of the modernists movement. I have a curious interest in his life and work, but lately he has been on my radar more often due to the current exhibition at the LACMA, (which I plan on attending before it ends in July 2014). Follow the Alexander Calder information page on Artsy.com to view collections and keep in touch with all of the current Calder happenings and exhibitions around the world. 

I am quite fascinated with his iconic and Avant-garde circle of insider artist friends (who included Georgia O'Keeffe + Peggy Guggenheim). And also the modern kinetic abstract mobiles + sculptures that look so simple, but are yet so complicated, only an engineer (he so happened to be one) would completely understand all of it's working components.

Another chapter in his life that was quite incredible, were his jewelry making years. His handful of jewelry and metal work are considered highly collectable and rare, making only 1,800 pieces entirely by hand. He rarely used solder in his pieces and almost always conjoined using the rivet or wrapping process, using metals like silver, copper + brass. His oversize statement pieces are simple, but striking and most have a very chic modernist appeal to them, they can be viewed as a piece of wearable surrealism art. I just want to hold one in my hands, since owning one is most likely out of the question and budget (they have auctioned off for upwards of $500,000).

Alexander Calder found beauty in the things that we often overlook using industrial materials and scraps. He was definitely ahead of his time, being that his most significant pieces were created before 1945. I recently took a jewelry making class at my local community college, it's something I have wanted to pin down for a while now and finally just made the time for it. A few of the pieces I made in class were also created with a rivet process (inspired by Calder). I just love the handmade feeling it emulates and I now have an entirley new appreciation for this craft all the way around.

Some influencial women of style graced with Alexander Calder pieces included:

 Georgia O'Keeffe

 Angelica Huston

Peggy Guggenhiem

Textile designer Eszter Haraszty

Calders wife Louisa Calder

xx~syd

Tucson Modernism Week

Last week my attention called for some things I had in the works that took place this past weekend and my online presence was pretty non existent. In exchange for that I have these beautiful images of the mid-century modern (mid nineteen fifties to early seventies), vintage fashion exhibition I styled and hosted in collaboration with my frequent collaborator Claudine Villardito of Black Cat Vintage for Tucson Modernism Week. It finally came to fruition on Friday October 4th 2013 and featured some of my favorite pieces of vintage. Tucson Modernism Week is a celebration of mid century style, art, fashion, architecture, automobiles and craftsmanship found in our community and connections beyond. It brings people with a kindred love and appreciation for all of these things together under one desert sky, and it's pretty magical. I am grateful to be a part of the fashion component annually, and feel strongly about my hometown connection to this event because of my roots, passion for working with vintage clothing, love of history and my studied background. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Tucson, Arizona is a treasure trove of beautiful things and people, you should come visit some time.

Behind the Scenes:

Twenty minutes until show time and after a full day of styling + organizing models and working with my creative team, I must attempt to make myself presentable……all while still directing. It can happen!

The Exhibition: A fashion homage to the mid century styles of the fifties, sixties and early seventies, for Tucson Modernism Week.

Photos by my friend and colleague puspa lohmeyer
Production, Creative Direction + Styling: sydney ballesteros
Wardrobe: black cat vintage
Makeup: Tangie Duffey
Hair: Andrea Furedy
Models (left to right): Kelsey Hagan, Jesseca Haag, Lauren Free, Lindsey Meredith, Abbey Gaitlin, Ariel Robinson, Wendy Van L
Vintage Cars: Hi Speed Customs + Alex Mastrangelo (private collector)

Thank you to all of those involved.

~Syd