Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1076820
ERIN MATHEWS 214.520.8300 ERIN@ERINHOME.COM THE RESIDENT EXPERT OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. 22 P resident's Day, a throwback to an era of civility and statesmanship, is revived with great wit by Houston artist Julia McLaurin. She brings presidential history and the inhabitants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue back to our consciousness with more than a modicum of wit. The scientifically trained artist veered from microbiology to photography and was discovered by Foto Relevance at a recent Glassell School of Art exhibition. The rest is … well, history. McLaurin uses Photoshop with great aplomb incorporating arcane yet true details into her digitally collaged POTUS portraits. It all began with the 16th president. "I came across the iconic image of Abe Lincoln," McLaurin says. "I knew I had to put Abe in some fantastical, updated situation. As my father had recently purchased a Vespa, I felt Lincoln needed to get out and get some air." In her latest works, Honest Abe careens by on a Vespa; John F. Kennedy gives a peace sign; George H.W. Bush poses in Renaissance garb with his steadfast canine and a stalk of broccoli; Bill Clinton reclines à la Burt Reynolds and basks in a sea of fast food; and Martin Van Buren "spins some sweet beats," McLaurin says. Donald Trump's portrait is still in progress, not to be revealed until her solo exhibition "Hail to the Chief!" opens this month at Houston's Foto Relevance (February 22 – March 22). For a sneak peek of the entire cast, visit papercitymag.com on Presidents' Day, Monday, February 18. "Hail to the Chief!" at Foto Relevance, 616 Hawthorne St.; opening reception Friday, February 22, 6 to 8 pm; artist talk Saturday, February 23, 10 am; edition of 15 (11 x 15 inch print on 16 x 20 inch paper), $750 unframed, $850 framed); fotorelevance.com. Catherine D. Anspon E ver since the Duchess of Sussex showed up at her evening reception in a bespoke, party- ready gown with high neck and low back by Stella McCartney, chic brides have been waiting for McCartney to launch a full bridal collection. The wait is over with the launch of McCartney's Made with Love, a modern approach to bridal wear, with sleek gowns, a lace embroidered jumpsuit (in pure white or scarlet red), and an ivory tuxedo. McCartney furthers her commitment to the environment by using sustainable viscose as the primary fabric. In a special Stella touch, each style comes with something blue: a blue tag sewn into the garment with a personal "Made with Love" message. Brides can book an appointment at a boutique on the Stella McCartney website. At Nordstrom, net-a-porter. com, stellamccartney.com. Anne Lee Phillips FROM STELLA, WITH LOVE POTUS PORTRAITS Julia McLaurin's 42. Bill Clinton, 2018, at Foto Relevance, Houston