Fashion and Art Unite at MAD's Glitter Grunge Disco
Vogue
Michaela BechlerDisco was back in full swing Monday night at Glitter Grunge Disco, the Museum of Arts and Design's annual Young Patrons Gala. Presented by Coach, the event honored New York–based artist Derrick Adams whose artwork is currently on display at the museum.
Guests arrived wearing all things glitter with a proper dose of '90s-era plaid thrown in. Among the sparkly group were Aurora James, Zoe Buckman, sisters TK Wonder and Cipriana Quann, and Casey Fremont. Cochairs included Bettina Prentice, Sarah Arison, and Meg Sharpe.
The celebrations started before people even walked through the door: A glitter-covered Cadillac from the Coach Spring 2018 runway show was parked in front of the venue, encouraging photo shoots with its mere presence. Guests mingled as waiters served Champagne Armand De Brignac Rosé and Hendrick's Gin dirty martinis before a seated dinner, during which remarks were given by MAD trustee Mike De Paola with Andi Potamkin Blackmore. Works by Adams as well as Bob Gruen, Rebecca Dayan, and Lindsey Adelman were part of a silent auction hosted by Paddle8, with all proceeds benefiting the museum.
Adams, outfitted in the classic American brand, said he was approached more than a year ago to present an exhibition at MAD based on a concept of his choosing. Already deep into archival research on The Negro Motorist Green Book, written by Victor Hugo Green, the artist reimagined safe destinations for the black American traveler during the Jim Crow era.
"It was a good challenge," he told Vogue. "It took a lot of thought and reflection on how to communicate in a space that offers a particular viewpoint. The presentation came about more when I saw the space and really thought about it in the way that people move through the museum."
"Derrick Adams: Sanctuary" contains 50 mixed-media works on display until August 12.