Match Made in Heaven

Bleach cleaner, microwave dinners, car headlights, candy bars, a bag of chips; these ideas don’t necessarily invoke couture unless, of course, you're Jeremy Scott. I had the honor and privilege to see Scott and Katherine Bernhardt’s breathtaking exhibit Match Made in Heaven. They are both known for taking ideas found in nursery’s, grocery stores, the back of pantry’s and elevating them to a new level. I found Scott’s collection of unique womenswear particularly captivating. 

His designs are loud and bright but maintain a level of chic elegance. It is no surprise that his designs have been worn by celebrities like Katy Perry, Charli xcx and Kim Kardashian. His outfits grace the line between junk drawer and New York fashion week in a seamless way. Although Scott’s pieces speak for themselves Bernhardt’s paintings are not to be ignored. She uses spray paint and acrylics to create vivid pieces that invoke a strange nostalgia for the 80s and 90s. Bernhardt’s paintings follow a free loose structure as the artist often tries to not think about what she’s painting when she paints. This makes her works incredibly expressive and truly one of a kind. This art show was quickly one of my favorites I’ve ever seen. My first experience with it was back in July when it had recently opened. I knew the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art as a small art museum connected to a community college. I had only seen small modern exhibits when I had been dragged there for a field trip before. This exhibit changed my view completely. 

When entering I was greeted by a row of some of Scott’s more stunning outfits. A long, black evening dress stood out for me; shaped like a glove but in a chic way, perfectly fitting of the event it was worn at, the Met Gala. I stood a foot away from something worn at the Met Gala! Inside the main Gala feels so American. Bernhardt's paintings are huge and bright; it felt like they changed the lighting in the room. The Bernhardt painting I find ricocheting in my mind is one depicting cigarette butts around full sticks of butter; a breakfast of champions. These two have works that range from elegant to quiet such as Scott's self described “money puss” which looks silly in the best way. For instance, there is a corner of the exhibit with a giant Bart Simpson portrait beside beautifully knitted Bart Simpson looks. Although most of the people I saw were laughing at the absurdity, I appreciate the ability to work with “ugly” subjects. 

Scott and Bernhardt more than anything else capture the life not captured. They bring items largely owned and bought by middle to low-income houses. When art puts so much focus on glorifying the things only available to the rich, they bring the regal galleries and Galas to everyone.  I had the privilege to meet Scott briefly. I quietly shook and gushed about him while trying not to cry. Though I somewhat hope Scott doesn’t remember our interaction I know I will always remember it along with the coolest exhibit I've ever seen.