Silvia Prada Celebrates Men's Coiffs at Pacific Design Center

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Illustrator Silvia Prada's inspiration for her book and exhibit, "The New Modern Hair," came from her hairstylist father who was famous in her childhood Spanish town. "I grew up looking at these kinds of hair magazines at my dad's salon," she explained to Opening Ceremony, one of the retailers that carries the book. Prada's recently-published tome is a jumping-off point for the exhibit, which features larger works that encapsulate vintage men's barbershop style, Bauhaus design and pop iconography. "Hair within context of identity is something quite primal, especially with men. It provides cues to character traits—even when they're naked," she elaborated.

The LA leg of "The New Modern Hair" opened last night with a reception at the Pacific Design Center that drew a particularly hip LA crowd. The pedigree of the group show's artists certainly helped—alongside Prada's illustrations of perfectly-coifed gentlemen were pieces by Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules & Love Affair fame, filmmaker Bruce La Bruce, Warhol compatriot Marc Balet and many more.

Several of the pieces featured were previously printed in Candy Magazine, a fashion and art world favorite, including Luis Venegas' "Anna Wintour Hairstyle Wig," a hairpiece he wore as part of his impersonation of the Vogue editor for a photo spread. A collage by German artist Robert Knoke depicts a grid of some irrefutably cool hairlines, including JD Samson, Bret Easton Ellis, Casey Spooner and designer Bernard Willhelm. Limited-edition books, posters, shirts and tote bags were also on hand for gallery-goers who wanted to take a piece of the art home. Later in the evening, the show's crowd moved on to the nearby Palihouse, where The Work Magazine and Otherwild threw an afterparty with music spun by Foxman as well as YACHT, Polyamorous Affair, and Keith 2.0.

"The New Modern Hair" is open at CultureEDIT at the Pacific Design Center today through February 26th.
· [Opening Ceremony]