With the famously fashion-forward Whitney Art Party just a blink away on June 6, SaksPOV discusses art and style with one of the museum’s chicest supporters, filmmaker Maggie Betts
SaksPOV: What inspired you to become involved with the Whitney Museum of American Art?
Maggie Betts: I’m a native New Yorker and grew up going to the Whitney. Even today I still get the same sense of excitement every time I walk in there, and I’m so incredibly proud to be connected to it through the Whitney Contemporaries.
SaksPOV: Who are some of your favorite contemporary artists?
M.B.: I have to say I’m pretty overwhelmed by all the amazing artists we have involved with this year’s Art Party. We have two extraordinary performance artists at the event, Kalup Linzy and Iona Rozeal Brown, both so provocative and genius. We have a lot of artists from the Biennial and a lot of ISP graduates too!
SaksPOV: What are you wearing to the party on June 6th?
M.B.: That’s definitely a question that looms continuous – on the mind. Obviously, one of the things I love most about the Art Party is what a great convergence it always is of both art and fashion. Particularly this year, with the leadership and vision of Saks and Theory behind us, I can only imagine it’s going to be a pretty epic night for fashion.
SaksPOV: You’re frequently photographed at prestigious benefits. Describe your personal style.
M.B.: Unembellished. I tend to like things that are super chic and elegant, but also not ‘too much’, not too overdone and fussy. I love Prabal, Lanvin, Altuzarra, Olivier Theyskens…
SaksPOV: Last year, you made your filmmaking debut at the Tribeca Film Festival for The Carrier, a documentary about the plight of a pregnant woman with HIV in Zambia. What’s next for you?
M.B.: As of right now I’m mostly writing all the time and hoping to make a shift soon from documentary into narrative feature.
What would you wear to the Whitney Art Party? Pin your favorite items from Saks.com and Tweet @Saks with a link to your board!