No time would be more appropriate to discuss the relationship between fashion and art than in the midst of fashion week. From the incredible fashion that has recently graced the runways, to the scenery created, the audience that fashion commands, and the inspirations that it evokes in the masses; fashion is an evident art form.
On a more personal level, painting is just one of the tools that has taught me the importance of art as it relates to fashion (the above painting isn’t just a shameless plug). From color theory to artistic vision, technique, expression, mixed mediums and perception, these are just some of the instances where the two worlds collide. However, just as fine art has been a powerful influence on fashion, fashion has had a commanding grip on art.
Francis Bacon said, “Fashion is only the attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.” If you’ve ever seen a Givenchy sketch, a Tom Ford suit, or anything that Lagerfeld has sent down a runway, you would know that it’d be hard to oppose Mr. Bacon’s statement.
Where would fashion be without an amazing sense of color theory? Paul Smith wouldn’t exist, Pucci would be a scarf salesman, and Gimmo Etro would be traveling India in search for a great curry rather than the perfect paisley.
When you wake up in the morning and put an outfit together you have created a color palette, this is your theory, whether it’s beautifully put together or just plain terrible, it’s yours.
It is only when we embrace ourselves as our own personal stylists, and artists in our own right, will fashion truly become, on an individual level, the art that it is.
Fashion Fridays is a weekly column where we celebrate the arrival of the weekend a bit early by taking a break from the business side of things.
Photo credits: original artwork by Carlos A. Martinez
