lbd(j).

i've been the resident dj at kiasma's openings for over a year now. this week's opening was photographer ola kolehmainen's exhibition titled a building is not a building. he is one of my favorite finnish photographers with his minimalistic style and impeccable and playful eye for detail. his images are derived from structure and patterns which form large, almost sculpture-like constructions.

dj'ing at kiasma is no mean feat, and not because i consider it a great honor, but because the feedback i need to deal with is often horrendous and inexplicable. to the despisal of many snobby middle aged culture junkies, i play (and am paid to play) whatever i desire to keep the party going until the bar closes. thus, i am there as an employed artist and entertainer. if i were a jazz singer or a pianist, i doubt these ladies who enjoy high culture would forget their manners and complain to me that i "ruined their entire evening" even if they didn't like what i sung or played. i have been asked whether i was "sick in the head" by a prominent gallery owner and forced to listen to a long complaint summing up with "this place is not for the youngsters!"

if anything, i've learned that it is incredibly surprising how many people believe that status -- whether real or imagined -- is an excuse for a lack of manners. it may not be newsworthy to mention (ever think of going to a museum opening to party?), but large museums can't seem to hold onto their opening guests who tend to leave after seeing the show, and my role is to keep them happy at the bar drinking the night away. thus, i play with the intention of turning the museum into a lounge/club. so far it's worked out great and an increasing number of guests stay until closing time.

obviously, i need to dress the part, too. miss coco had it right: you cannot go wrong with a little black dress. finding the perfect one is a similar quest to finding the impeccable white tee or the ultimate pair of black pumps -- once you're certain you nailed it, there is always a detail that would bring the dress a notch up. despite mademoiselle chanel's original idea, one lbd hardly ever works for all occasions, although a simple boatneck, 3/4 sleeve, knee-length wool voile dress might be as versatile as a garment ever was.

therefore, i have several lbd's. as i counted through my predominantly black closet, i found 9 and there's more in the storage. there's everything from strict business to slinky 'n silky.

my choice for this opening was found as i strolled through some high street stores. definitely not classy, but rather on the trashy side, i grabbed this fully sequined version at h&m, added a pair of quirky heeled zara pumps, a leather cuff and my favorite earrings from all saints. the length made me wonder whether it was museum safe, but i gave it a go anyway.