Jeremy Scott goes Deco on the SS Normandie

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed)
Feb 10th 2010 at 5:01AM

Avant-garde designer Jeremy Scott is no stranger to collaboration, having teamed up with designers including Christian Louboutin, Longchamp, and Adidas. In spite of all these amazing partnerships, we're most excited for his upcoming work with a ship, or the original 1930s floating palace rather. Scott has designed a limited edition T-shirt to celebrate the upcoming revival of the SS Normandie, the original 1930s floating palace, through a new show entitled DECODENCE at Manhattan's South Street Seaport Museum. As both the Art Deco movement and Jeremy Scott's revoutionary fashion line are defined by ornate motifs and structural geometry, it's easy to see why the transatlantic designer was first approached to participate in the show. Both the movement and the designer embody the spirit of living glamor.

On his soon-to-be iconic design, Scott told Luxist: "I just tried to imagine getting a peek at one of the glamorous passengers as she was off to dinner. She stopped to look out one of the portholes to catch a final glimpse of Manhattan as the Normandie set sail." The shirt is set to become the perfect accessory this season, whether you're on a ship or not, it's just in time as a slew of naval-inspired collections make their way down the runway. "As for Art Deco," says Scott, "I've always loved the lines, the modernity, and the sensuality. Art Deco has a playful yet over the top quality, which I have a definite kinship with!"

In the same spirit of exaggerated playfulness, the king of Art Deco jewelry, Lalique has designed a special edition Cabochon ring just for the occasion. The handcrafted glass ring is one of the most stunning examples of modern jewelry we've come across, remarkable for its smooth contours and opulent hues. Originally designed in 1931, the updated ring is as classy and fun as ever. Available in three colors for the show, Cap Ferrat, Sapphire, and Rouge l'or, the limited edition series is marked with a special commemorative engraving.

Gallery: Jeremy Scott and Lalique for SS Normandie

While the SS Normandie carried the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Marlene Dietrich, and Grace Kelly, DECADENCE the exhibit is open to the public. The glorious ship was the ambassador of French design, and was welcomed by a crowd of 100,000 spectators in New York when she made her maiden voyage from Paris in 1935. Beyond the impressive hull was the seemingly endless luxury of interiors. A three-deck-high First Class dining room proudly displayed twelve illuminated pillars and thirty-eight matching wall columns, all composed of premier Lalique glass. The handcrafted interiors represented the height of Art Deco sophistication, with furnishings and accoutrements by Jean Dupas, Jean Patou, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Raymond Subes, and of course Hermes. Complete with an 80-foot-indoor swimming pool, winter garden full of exotic plants and birds, and the first sea-faring theater, the SS Normandie would put any modern cruise line to shame.

The DECODENCE Exhibition provides visitors with a unique glimpse into this storied Deco history. Come view the original interior furnishings, exclusive passenger photographs, video, uniforms, fashion accessories, and more. With the arrival of DECODENCE, the South Street Seaport is guaranteed to be a hot destination over the next year, so book your tickets early.

The exhibition T-Shirt and Ring are available starting February 15. Call the Museum Store at 212-748-8733 to order.

DECODENCE
Open February 25, 2010 through January 2011
Southstreet Seaport Museum
12 Fulton Street, NYC

Tags: art deco, ArtDeco, decodence, jeremy scott, JeremyScott, lalique, south seaport museum, SouthSeaportMuseum, ss normandie, SsNormandie