An Ode to Fashion

I am very honored to be a Collections Intern at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum this summer. The internship is fulfilling to me because I am interested in material culture and collections care. I enjoy the responsibility of handling and caring for all objects in O’Keeffe’s collection. It is a priority to ensure that every single object, big or small, is handled in the most efficient manner for exhibitions, traveling, and storage. My goal is to complete my Master’s degree next year and pursue a Collection’s Management or Registration position at a major museum one day.

This summer, we are busy in the storage vaults cataloging, labeling, and photographing O’Keeffe’s tangible property. More specifically, we are looking closely at her clothing which includes: dresses, suits, scarves, purses, and hats. I am excited to share two of my favorite pieces from the Textile & Garment Collection. I envision myself (in my dreams) in this ensemble walking around Santa Fe, drinking aguas frescas, or iced sandia water (fresh watermelon), eating a green chile tamale from the plaza food vendors, and dreaming about my next scenic hike.

The two designer pieces that caught my eye are a black and brown striped screen-printed Marimekko dress and a pair of red J & J Slater shoes. Marimekko, a Finnish design company, was founded in 1951. The company is known for its bold geometric screen printed patterns and designs. Marimekko is now sold and collected all over the world. Most recently, the company collaborated with Target. Designed by Vuokko Nurmesiemihas the dress and matching sash are made from 100% cotton. I appreciate the high collar because it can protect the neck and back from direct sun exposure. The sleeves are cut at three-quarters and the patchy pockets are big and loose. Their size, moreover, is perfect for storing the fresh foliage, rocks, and found colors peppered all over the beautiful land of New Mexico.

Apart from the dress, my other fashion accessory is a pair of red-orange J & J Slater Shoes made in New York. They are flats with a tiny gold clip located near the toe-box. The shoes are adorable and dainty because they are lightweight and handmade. They have the texture of very soft suede and are striking in color. I believe that the shoes are appropriate for long meditative walks.

My personal opinion of O’Keeffe’s sense of fashion is that it was efficient, adaptable, and sometimes architectural.

This post was written by Esther Ramirez, Registrar Intern.