Why This Pop Artist’s Bergdorf Exhibit Is A Huge Deal

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New York fashion landmark Bergdorf Goodman was abuzz Thursday in celebration of the first female artist solo exhibit in its 100-plus-year history.

Pop artist Ashley Longshore — known for her playful portrayals of pop culture icons such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Lil Wayne, Frida Kahlo and more — took over the store’s windows and seventh floor gallery to kick off a monthlong showcase of glittery goodness.

Not only has Longshore collaborated with designer brands such as Chloe, Veuve Clicquot, Cle de Peau and Judith Leiber, but she has a 94,000-strong Instagram following as passionate about her colorful, sparkly works as she is. She’s even amassed a number of celebrity collectors, including Penelope Cruz, Lorraine Schwartz and Blake Lively (now a friend, who even came out to support Longshore at the event).

The significance of Longshore’s launch as the first female artist to take over Bergdorf’s is not lost on her.

“It means that the fact that I have believed in endless possibilities and in myself for so many years is an absolute, 100% truth,” she told Luxe. “It means that if a self-taught artist from Montgomery, Alabama, can have five massive windows on Fifth Avenue and takeover the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman, anything can happen. It is an honor and unbelievably exciting. This also validates every collector who spent a dime on me over the last 24 years.”

ashley longshore

ashley longshore

ashley longshore

PHOTOS: REBECCA MCALPIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Longshore’s style is nothing if not bold and eye-catching, but her humility and genuine gratitude for her supporters transcends her lustrous image. Amid media attention on the treatment of women in industries from tech to film, the artist uses her platform to inspire her followers to empower themselves.

“What is significant to me is that I am a woman with opportunity and endless belief in the great American Dream,” she says. “This is my time, this is our time, this is THE TIME. I will not put my energy in to anything negative but instead, strive to be the greatest that I can be. Which means using all of the opportunity that this nation allows me.”

We suggest running, not walking to Bergdorf’s to view and shop the collection of art, furnishings rugs, and tabletop items, because if Longshore’s online flash sales have taught us anything, it’s that it won’t be long until it’s sold out.

For more artistic inspiration, check out seven colorful products inspired by Jerry Cabrera’s “Fluttering Cape.”