by EMERSON SLOANE
Lately, I've been re-reading Diana Vreeland's autobiography, D.V., and rediscovering some intriguing new details I must have forgotten about the former editor of Vogue, from 1962-1971. At around the 12th chapter, Vreeland makes a connection between her favorite literature--it's Russian--and the dress of one of the characters from War and Peace.
She writes, "Tolstoy! Tolstoy, naturally, was always my favorite. And when I think of Natasha in War and Peace, when she's just seen a young lady kiss a man she was obviously having a walkout with and then she sees a young lieutenant and she follows him into the conservatory and she grabs his hand...I know exactly what she was wearing. It's actually known as the "Natasha dress." Where would fashion be without literature?"
Where, indeed? This Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m., the Miller Hill Mall, in Duluth, will be hosting a unique first-ever kind of literary event in the city--"Roll Out the Red Carpet for Reading!"--the grand finale wrapping up 8 weeks of children's literacy programming and the first time the Mall has put on an event like this in its 41 year history of supporting the local community. During the months of May and June, Miller Hill Mall has put on a series of community events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Duluth Library Foundation.
On Saturday, children will be given the fun opportunity to dress up and walk down a red carpet at the Barnes & Noble Court and then register for some entertaining events, hosted by the area's favorite news anchor, Dan Hanger (and, of course, his dog Brewster!) The first 50 children to attend will receive a Cat in the Hat hat from Dan and Brewster as the day's events get under way, including an appearance by Duluth mayor, Don Ness.
What the kids will be waiting for, however, besides seeing Brewster, are the special appearances from an array of princes and princesses from beloved children's books and movies. What child hasn't made their own connection between fashion and literature in the gowns and uniforms of fairy tale princes and princesses?
Earlier this year, Vogue realized the connection between children's literature and the fashion world in an article suggesting how we can adapt some of the nattiest characters' fashion staples into a real-life fashion expression. Imagine taking your cues from the stylist sensibilities of Paddingon bear--a cheery red chapeau and dark blue overcoat? The romantic whites and frills of Alice in Wonderland, paired with crimson slippers and heirloom jewelry? A pink tulle dress and ribbon socks from Angelina Ballerina? Or how about a red satin bow tie for boys and some brown leather and suede brogues inspired by Babar? Just as adults help link fashion to literature, the sometimes fanciful world of children's books can inspire the creativity and flair of fashion, too. We just have to encourage more of it--reading, that is.
According to statistics, fourth graders who read for fun on a daily basis score higher on aptitude tests than those children who are not encouraged by parents to read on their own. During summer breaks, low-income children lose two months of reading time than children living in more favorable economic conditions--that's why our public library system is a crucial part of every community.
The Duluth Library Foundation has spent a quarter century elevating the presence and importance of the public library in our city. Miller Hill Mall's commitment to Duluth and their partnership with the Foundation in encouraging children's literacy--making it fun, accessible, and, yes, with this event, fashionable, demonstrates that every level of community commitment for improving the lives of our children helps build and sustain the positive and exciting trajectory our city is on for creating a beautiful and intelligent place to live.
Along with the activities planned for the children during the event, there will be a grand prize drawing, reading time, and access to wonderful children's books.
La bella figura is a philosophy we build on with our publication here at Haven. It translates in this context as the best of everything. With Roll Out the Red Carpet for Reading! we see the convergence of everything we love--families, intelligence, culture, and fashion. How could you not make the time? We'd love to see you there.
Roll Out the Red Carpet for Reading!
Miller Hill Mall | Barnes & Noble Court | 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth
Saturday, June 27 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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