The Avenue at American Dream
September 17 - October 1, 2021
Among the great legacies that have shaped America, the worlds of art + fashion have always held a complimentary conversation, each inspiring one another.
From the purest form of expression, the humble cotton canvas, to the meticulous metrics applied when tailoring a garment, there is love and dedication sewn into the very fabric of America and its dream, rooted in the idea of endless possibility.
INTERSECTION: art meets fashion is a gallery exhibit that explores the worlds of fine art and fashion design as they exclusively converge in a limited-run exhibit from September 17th- October 1st at brand-new luxury shopping destination, The Avenue at American Dream. We've put a spotlight on American designers’ current collections, currently available for purchase through Saks Fifth Avenue, juxtaposed with internationally acclaimed artwork curated by Galleri Urbane of Marfa and Dallas, TX.
Join us as we celebrate the American spirit of ingenuity and unbridled enthusiasm harvested from across our great nation. You'll experience the moment where the creative hands of brush and shear unite, shaping both their individual masterpieces and society at large, through encouraging personal expression and female empowerment. As the two worlds merge, we hope you find inspiration in the beauty that’s shaping up at The Avenue at American Dream.
Featuring 30 Designers + Artists:
Designers
Lafayette 148 New York | Badgley Mischka | Black Halo | Tory Burch | Marchesa Notte | Theia | Derek Lam | Alice + Olivia | Veronica Beard | Rag + Bone | Sea New York | Staud | John Elliott
Artists
Benjamin Terry | Danielle Kimzey | Dennis Koch | Donald Martiny | Gail Peter Borden | Heath West | Jason Willaford | Jessica Snow | Joseph Montgomery | Lori Larusso | Loring Taoka | Meghan Borah | Mel Prest Michelle Wasson | Rachel Hellmann | Samantha McCurdy | Stephen D’Onofrio
INTERSECTION: art meets fashion is a collaboration with Galleri Urbane and Ken Downing
Ken Downing was formerly Senior Vice President and Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus, where he was credited with revitalizing the retailer’s voice by bringing a freshly relevant and global point of view to the brand. His bold style proclamations, fearless approach to seasonal trends, and close relationships with designers and customers alike helped catapult Neiman Marcus to a position of international fashion leadership, while driving unprecedented sales volumes both in-store and online.
In his current role as Chief Creative Officer for international retail developer Triple Five Group Worldwide, Downing is responsible for reinventing the retail experience for the group’s properties through architectural and interior design, advertising and marketing campaigns, public relations, and special events. Triple Five is currently developing American Dream, a revolutionary, 3.3 million square foot shopping, dining and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The company also owns and operates West Edmonton Mall and the Mall of America.
During his tenure as Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus, Downing drew on his instinctive knowledge of trends and customer shopping habits to help grow the company into a $6 billion business. He oversaw the fashion direction and image of the company and served as the public face and voice of the brand. The company launched a series of high-touch customer experience and fashion-centric digital initiatives under his guidance, including real-time runway fashion coverage, VIP events and social media interviews with designers, celebrities, models and influencers
A resident of New York City, Dallas and Detroit, where he is renovating a 1917 historic property, Downing is an avid art collector and patron as well as a collector of mid-century and architect-designed furniture.