Travel: Trip to Manhattan, New York

View from the Staten Island ferry

During a whirlwind, four-day trip to Manhattan, I enjoyed some of the sights, fashions, a Broadway show and views of everyday life there.

Photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession

Hello Manhattan!

On my way to the iconic Empire State Building

Gorgeous view from the Empire State Building




Couture gowns from the 1940s designed by Christian Dior at The Met's Costume Institute




Some pieces designed by Alexander McQueen at the The Met's Costume Institute




Dramatic scene in the Arms and Armor galleries of The Met Museum








Honoring those who perished on that horrible day




From the ashes we rise





Spied this beauty from my cab




Morning commuters

Typical street scene in Manhattan





On the way to Brooklyn

Another perspective

Delicious street food

“Cut Up/Cut Out” exhibition opens at the Bedford Gallery December 18

"Untitled" by Karen Margolis

For the exhibition “Cut Up/Cut Out” at the Bedford Gallery, more than 50 local, national and international artists employed road maps, laser paper, metal, plastic, rubber and other media to explore various methods of cutting and piercing.

December 18, 2016-March 5, 2017. Opening reception for the artists, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, December 18. (The gallery will be closed December 23-January 2, 2017.) 

Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 295-1417, www.bedfordgallery.org. See website for admission prices.

"Winter in the City" by Claire Brewster

“Haciendo Papel Picado/Making Paper Cutouts,” (1998), by Carmen Lomas Garza






"Artforum 50 Hindsight, Mask Series," (2014) by Francesca Pastine

"Coringa," by Margaret Griffith

42nd Street Moon presents "Scrooge in Love," December 7-24

With its holiday presentation, "Scrooge in Love!," starring Jason Graae, 42nd Street Moon ponders what happens after "A Christmas Carol." 

Taking place one year later, it follows Scrooge's quest to find Belle, his lost love. Jacob Marley and new spirits help him along the way.

Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St., S.F. Tickets: (415) 255-8207, http://bit.ly/2giUaJq

Smuin Ballet's "The Christmas Ballet" December 7-24 in SF and more

Smuin Ballet’s “The Christmas Ballet” offers a fun alternative to the typical holiday show.

"Magnificat"       

"Christmas in New Orleans"

"Christmas Island"

December 7-11: Mountain View Center for the Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. (650) 903-6000 and December 15-24 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., S.F. (415) 912-1899 http://bit.ly/2d6dIR3

Images courtesy of Smuin Ballet

"Fashion in Flight" exhibition at SFO Museum through Jan 8

Excited to write my first fashion story for The Chronicle's Style section. Check out this fun exhibition:

http://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/SFO-exhibit-puts-flight-attendant-fashions-on-view-10658648.php?ipid=gsa-sfgate-result#photo-11875361

The African-American Shakespeare Company’s, “Cinderella,” December 22-24, in S.F.

The African-American Shakespeare Company presents “Cinderella,” which it co-produced with the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company. 

If you have not seen this delightful production of "Cinderella," don't miss it this holiday season.

Samantha Williams plays Cinderella in the 2016 production from the African-American Shakespeare Company, co-produced by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company.

December 22-24, in S.F. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 392-4400, http://bit.ly/2giqyJR

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas," the musical, December 14-24 in S.F.

Kailtlyn Davidson (left) and Jeremy Benton (right) from "Irving Berlin’s White Christmas"

Trista Moldovan (left) and Kaitlyn Davidson (right) from “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”

Cast members from “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”

December 14-24. SHN Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., S.F. 888-746-1799, http://bit.ly/2fQhL5Q

Photos: Kevin White 

 

Anthropologie, Walnut Creek

Anthropologie’s first concept store emits its eclectic, Bohemian chic vibe throughout 30,000 square feet on two floors, complete with outdoor balconies lush with plants.

It intermingles vignettes of whimsical, thoroughly modern living spaces, decor accents for the home and women's fashions. You'll also find succulents and garden-themed wares from Terrain and bridal gowns from BHLDN Weddings, both sister brands.

With this store, Anthropologie has created an imaginative interior and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that encourages browsing and lingering.

Anthropologie & Company, 1149 South Main St., Walnut Creek. 

(925) 932-0112, www.anthropologie.com