Initiatives in Art and Culture

In Initiatives in Art and Culture's ninth annual fashion conference, we consider "Timeless," a collective vocabulary to which we return for inspiration and a yardstick against which we measure — all that follows.

Central to this canonical vocabulary are particular colors, images, scents, motifs, objects, and garments, each with potent associations that endow them with enduring power as cultural referents and social signifiers. That which or those who become part of the canon transcend fashion, conveying values, virtues, and emotions.

We also consider the tastemakers responsible for creation of the timeless, such as legendary editors, photographers, and individuals of taste and style, and periodicals that have and continue to shape our vision. Central to this year’s theme is the discussion of fashion marketing, and the relationship between the timeless and timeliness.

The conference is organized by Lisa Koenigsberg, president and founder of Initiatives in Art and Culture, who established the series of annual fashion conferences in New York. The conference will be held at the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts, 1083 Fifth Ave. (bet. 88th and 89th Sts.) Evening receptions complement the sessions.

PARTICIPANTS (as of August 31, 2007):

• Ira Neimark, former chairman of Bergdorf Goodman and author, Crossing Fifth Avenue to Bergdorf Goodman
• Reed Krakoff, president and chief creative officer, Coach, Inc.
• Pamela Fiori, editor-in-chief, Town & Country
• Ward Landrigan, owner of Verdura
• Designer Thom Browne
• Designer Mary McFadden
• Pamela Golbin, curator, Musée de la Mode et du Textile and of the recent Balenciaga show
• Andrew Bolton, curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute
• David Wolfe, fashion forecaster, the Doneger Group
• Alicia Drake, author of The Beautiful Fall
• James Sullivan author of the cultural history, Jeans
• Deborah Davis, author, The Party of the Century and Strapless
• Deborah Nadoolman, president of the Costume Designers Guild, film costume designer, and author of Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design
• Tania Sanchez, fragrance authority and co-author (with Luca Turin) of a comprehensive perfume guide
• Penny Proddow, co-author, With This Ring: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Jewelry; Diamonds: A Century of Spectacular Jewels; Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style; and Hollywood Jewels: Movies, Jewelry, Stars (all with Marion Fasel), and contributing editor (with Marion Fasel) of InStyle magazine’s "Jewel Box."

We express our gratitude for their support to Bergdorf Goodman, Coach, Inc., Diamond Information Center, Federated Department Stores, Inc., Harry Winston, Inc., Hermès, Inc.  National Academy and School of Fine Arts, and The Louis and Lena Minkoff Foundation (as of August 31, 2007).

The conference fee is $355. To register with a credit card, go to: http://www.acteva.com/go/timeless or you may call (646) 485-1952 to register by phone or fax the completed form below to (212) 935-6911, 24 hours a day, or mail it to: Initiatives in Art and Culture, 333 East 57th Street, Suite 13B, New York, New York 10022 or email the information below to Lisa Koenigsberg at lisa.koenigsberg@artinitiatives.com. A discounted rate of $170 is available for full-time students with ID. To receive the discounted rate, you must register by phone at (646) 485-1952 and present your ID at the registration desk. Brochure available soon.

For additional information: Email Lisa Koenigsberg at lisa.koenigsberg@artinititaives.com or visit www.artinititiaves.com