Portrait of a Woman

Photograph: Untitled (Secretary), 1978 via Artsy

For decades, Cindy Sherman has created captivating photos that are an odd mixture of beauty, mystery and peculiarity. Cindy began creating her works as an artist in the 1970s in New York City. What began as dressing up at home and playing with makeup, turned into the beginnings of her career as an artist, and our invitation as viewers to explore the ideas and identities presented in her work.

Though they appear to be self-portraits with Cindy in front of the lens, we never truly see the real Cindy. Each image is instead a glimpse into the world of the character she has created. 

Top Photograph: Untitled #410, 2003 via Christie’s

Middle Photograph: Untitled #465, 2008 via MoMA

Bottom Photograph: Untitled Film Still #14, 1978 via The Whitney Museum 

Clown. Debutante. Secretary. Washed up film star. Centerfold. Career girl. Housewife. The list of characters explored by Cindy is seemingly endless. Women have been subject to labels assigned by society and the culture of the given time period. By presenting these various types of women in their sometimes cliche or caricature-like forms, Cindy offers a critique of female identities and stereotypes. 

Summer Power Dressing

Bows. Prints. Sneakers. Florals. Tweed. Metal. Using a variety of prints, colors, textures and styles, the Spring 2020 collection from Tory Burch offered a fresh take on work ready clothing. 

No longer are women confined to the 1980s definition of the power suit in order to walk into the office with a boss persona. Now women can embrace femininity alongside powerful details, whimsical prints and athleisure ready accessories when creating a workwear wardrobe. 

Tory Burch has made a name for herself with her all-American brand. This collection did not disappoint as it remained true to her clean and classic aesthetic.