Daily Front Row

2010 March 3

Gilt-y Pleasures

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Katherine Bernhardt, Amanda Peet, and Alexis Maybank
NEIL RASMUS/PatrickMcMullan.com View Gallery

(NEW YORK) As though Gilt Groupe hasn’t already infiltrated your wardrobe, your boyfriend’s wardrobe, your kitchen, your wine cellar, and your travel plans—now it's time to make a little space for some Gilt on your walls. Last night, the ever-growing website fêted a new project of a decidedly artsy vein; in partnership with art consultancy Art and Advisory, artist Katherine Bernhardt created two pieces of artwork that will be sold exclusively on Gilt. Of course, there has to be a bit of a fashion bent for the chic site—the screenprints in question are Bernhardt’s takes on Penelope Cruz’s Mango ad and Kate Moss’ YSL Parisienne fragrance ad.

“We think Gilt’s a really great platform for designers, and we think we can do the same thing for artists as well,” said Gilt’s Brian Shaw. “Art’s a really important part of people’s space, so hopefully we’ll find great art that people really want to get their hands on.” As for the artist of the evening, she knew just who she wanted to be browsing her wares on the web: “I don’t know if there are lots of art collectors on Gilt, but I want art collectors to buy them!” Bernhardt laughed. Art collectors or no, plenty of chicsters—including Amanda Peet—stopped by the Norwood event to check out the prints and have a sip or two of champagne. But despite the fashionable atmosphere, Bernhardt admitted to (gasp!) not being much of a Gilt-shopper herself. “I shop at thrift stores,” she revealed. “Or I buy carpets, carpets from Morocco.” Well, great carpets already are available on Gilt Home; maybe Gilt Thrift could be up next?
EMILY GYBEN