Fall into Fashion with Stunning Statement Necklaces by History + Industry
Welcome to Seattle, Washington, the "emerald city" and origin of our exquisite necklaces by designer Irene Wood of History + Industry. Featuring impeccably chic, modern silhouettes inspired by cultural history, these pieces are a simultaneous style statement and an artistic innovation. Step inside our jeweler's studio for a glimpse into her creative process fusing fashion, design, history and modernity. You're in for inspiration in this edition of "How it's Made."
Wood's jewelry obsession emerged at a young age, viewing cultural artifacts and antiquities while traveling the world with her family. By age 18, she'd begun collecting and had boxes of amber and citrine from Cairo, a plethora of rough-cut glass beads from Istanbul, jade from Malaysia and China, and seed beads from Kenya. Irene explains, "the colors, shapes and textures would send me off to a magical, imaginative world for hours." The hours became days, then weeks, then years.
She first sketches then assembles all of her designs by hand using semi-precious stones, locally sourced beads, metals and polymer clay. Though each piece is different, the shapes of the beads frequently dictate the architecture of each necklace.
Irene describes the design process as being "very much like a creative puzzle." While discovering how particular colors, shapes and sizes play off of each other, the patterns and personalities of individual pieces begin to emerge.
In 2011, Irene set out to create large statement pieces reminiscent of the jewels of antiquity she had seen throughout the world. Over the past 7 years, her collections have consistently evolved while maintaining their origins in the myriad cultures that continue to inspire her. Antimony NecklaceThat all sounds like the collection of a certain encyclopedic museum to us! To explore Irene's funky, fierce designs, click here:  To view our entire collection of unique gifts, visit the Museum Shop online:
Proceeds from all purchases support the Art Institute of Chicago's many programs.
5 Graphic Japanese Designs for Your Table
Uniting a timeless tradition with the sleek simplicity of modern design, our new Japanese ceramic serveware bridges the divide between art and craft.
Japan has one of the oldest ceramic traditions in the world, dating back to 10,000-300 BCE. The popularity of the medium has endured there in large part due to the vessels' use in the perpetually popular tea ceremony ritual.
By marrying mesmerizing motifs and hypotic lines, our collection takes traditional stoneware into new territory. We've assembled a gorgeous assortment of versatile and stylish ceramic accessories to help refresh your tabletop for fall.
Scroll below to artfully adorn your decor and satisfy all your sushi, sake, and (ramen) slurping needs!
To view our entire collection of unique gifts, visit the Museum Shop online:
Proceeds from all purchases support the Art Institute of Chicago's many programs.
Artist Spotlight: Celebrating Piet Mondrian
Art is the path to being spiritual. - Piet Mondrian
Artist Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872–1944), may be best known as a pioneer of abstraction, but his paintings are rooted in figurative traditions. As his career progressed, he gravitated gradually and methodically towards pure abstraction, a language he felt best expressed universal aesthetics and values. Mondrian's painting, Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray, 1921, demonstrates his attempts to embody the energetic essence of nature and the universe through basic geometric elements.
Nearly a century later, Piet Mondrian's work still inspires artists, architects and designers everywhere. Bring a bit of that innovative energy to your life through our Mondrian-inspired assortment!
As creative and quirky as the artist himself, our Kokeshi doll inspired by Mondrian parallels the personality of the acclaimed artist.
Mondrian Glass Wire WeightDress your tech with a work of art that is both utilitarian and universally fashionable. A hand cut, bevelled, and polished piece of glass printed with Piet Mondrian’s (Dutch, 1872–1944) Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray, 1921 is more than a paperweight. It also keeps wires in place.
Straightforward lines and a striking primary palette are the perfect way to accessorize this must-have beauty bag. Made of cotton canvas featuring Mondrian’s Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray, 1921. This iconic painting can be found in the museum's permanent collection.
To see our complete collection of Mondrian inspired merchandise click here:
On the Road: New York City and Las Vegas
One of the Museum Shop’s goals is to source exclusive products from around the world. We meet with artisans who are inspired by the cultures, mediums, and techniques represented in our museum's encyclopedic collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.
We've documented our latest travels to New York City and Las Vegas. Check out the highlights from our trips below.
To see our entire assortment of unique gifts curated from markets like these, click here:
What to Wear to an Art Show
Do you have an art event on your calendar? Soon classes will resume at The School of the Art Institute, followed by Chicago Artist's month in October, so there will be no shortage of art-related events to attend. What will you wear? We're here to help you prepare so you can focus on what you're really there for: the art. Gallery openings and museum shows are great opportunities to step out in style -- let's have fun and get creative! Dress to impress with monochrome accessories and neutral hues that can easily pair with any outfit. A splatter-painted scarf, an art deco necklace and a Piet Mondrian inspired tote show your devotion to many movements. Slate Cashmere and Silk Dream Scarf Express your singular style with elegant accents that can take center stage. You'll be ready for the limelight and guaranteed to shine bright! And remember: Don't take the scene too seriously! Welcome whimsy and see the humor in the art world as well as your sartorial selections. Our hand-painted tie, colorful clutch and artist-inspired socks will definitely delight. Finally, be a real show stopper in statement jewelry in myriad materials. Get sculptural and show off your creative side with bangin' bangles or a trendy necklace.
Explore our full range of artful accessories here:
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