The designer and the docent
On the clear plasticky molded footwear:
The boots were inspired by Rachel Whiteread, a contemporary artist who works with resin and plastic and gum, molding them in a way that looks natural but also very plastic. (Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images, Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
On the draped velvet and taffeta tops:
I love the way in paintings by El Greco you have a touch of light on the clothes, or chiaroscuro. I love how it gives a richness to the fabrics and is very grand in a way and dramatic. . . . I wanted these to look very spontaneous, like something you do yourself -- very naturally draped. But I was careful not to go too far and control them too much. If you start to fix everything, you lose the idea of something thrown around the body. (Giulio Napolitano / AFP / Getty Images, Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
