Beautiful. Dangerous. Fallen.
Serena van der Woodsen is no wallflower. A kind of person whose physical presence cannot be ignored. She has a that certain "je ne sais quoi". Take this characteristic... throw in wealth, status and reputation among the Upper East Side (UES) - it is easy to sea how she has carved out a niche for herself within the exclusive life of the superrich. What makes her an interesting character is that despite leading a very privileged life - she is flawed and is prone to making bad decisions. It makes her more human. Our first encounter with her is through a text message via the anonymous gossip girl, the eyes and ears to the ins and outs of everyones favorite love-to-hate UEsiders. Her reception is neither warm nor friendly. Her return motivated by a brother in need and not caring for whatever is being said about her.
What is most curious about this is that aside from BFF Blair - everyone is seemingly ok with her return to the nest. Despite being away from the scrutinizing view of the UESiders, she proves to still being a hot topic of discussion - her daily life does not fail to fascinate and engage everyone around her. Throughout the first season she proves to be a forgiving person - perhaps giving others a chance so that in return... they can give HER a chance. Serena's character is the one whose journey entails overcoming who she was and becoming more than what she already is.
The Barcelona Chair was designed by Mies van der Rohe to be displayed at the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exhibition Barcelona and became an instant hit among designers and critics alike. It's unique (and instantly recognizable) design is the perfect marriage between modern and classic forms. In keeping with the ideas of the Bauhaus movement, van der Rohe believed in well-designed homes and impeccably manufactured furnishings for the "common man". This however, could not be the case with the Barcelona Chair. Even with it's minimal form, the tufted, buttoned and supple leather cushions were hand sewn and individually stitched resulting in a high quality product that was enhanced after van der Rohe's redesign in the 1950's with the advancement of stainless steel. The chair you see today is the result of a symphony of contemporary ideas, antiquity, form, function, and quality all intended for the everyday, but somehow elevated above the rest.
One look at this iconic chair and we knew it was the one that best suited Serena's character. Physically, it is without a doubt a - beautiful chair... recognizable and definitely memorable. Its form is sleek, elegant and one-of-a-kind. Its details are simple and timeless. Its price tag - infinitely more than any chair you can purchase at iKea. It spurs intrigue, interest and is a constant topic of conversation. It can be safely stated that it remains be one of the world's most coveted chairs. Does that sound like someone we know?
Interesting factoid - poly-b's research on the Barcelona Chair reveals that its birth follows the devastation of the first World War. A time when everybody was waiting for something new - it became the period when design and innovation would matter again. This became an introduction to change and continued to be the catalyst that launched an era of great design. Serena can be seen as a similar match that lit candle that set fire to the change that occurred in the UES. Her return and new outlook in life opened up the gateway between Brooklyn and UES. We (silk and poly-b) concur that she is the reason as to why Dan, Vanessa, and Jenny (non - UESiders) are now recognized fixtures among their social circles - why Dan and Blair (they don't particularly like each other) have moments of heart to heart or why Nate is discovering a different view of life with Vanessa. Her relationship with them - changed the group dynamics that existed... group dynamics that were never questioned nor allowed to change. Previously unaccessible - now more seemingly approachable.
The Barcelona Chair and Serena van der Woodsen are parallels of each other. Beautiful icons, effortless elegance and catalysts of change.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment