- Full Fathom Five by Jackson Pollock, 1947.
This week, I’ve revisited one of my favorite readings. It’s a chapter from Lars Svendsen’s book FASHION: A PHILOSOPHY. The chapter is simply called FASHION & ART. There is a huge philosophical debate on whether or not fashion is an art form and where the bad rap comes from. Fashion forefathers Charles Fredrick Worth and Paul Poiret are quoted, clearly bellowing that they are more than dressmakers – they are artists.
Some critics say that fashion could never be considered art. It has no body of criticism; it is too associated with the market and consumers; the value of the work is lost in mass production.
But then I wonder, are the critics contradicting themselves?
There is a body of criticism – those that say fashion is not art.
Art is also associated with the market and consumers, more so now than ever before.
Art is reproduced at an alarming rate, and yet nothing compares to seeing a painting in person.
The best advice I received from this reading is the following:
Rather than asking whether something is art, we ought to ask the question as to what
extent it is GOOD or RELEVANT art.
Svendsen, 107.
- JACKSON POLLOCK (1912-1956) Untitled, c. 1949
In conversation, I find that many people are repulsed by post-modern art. Abstract art is difficult to comprehend. Is it good? How can you tell if it’s well done – it’s just paint splattered everywhere. But there is something so compelling about abstract art. The color, the power of the brush strokes, the unusual geometry. Somehow, I seem to related everything back to fashion. Couldn’t this painting make an interesting textile print? Of maybe the color pallet can inspire my new summer wardrobe.
Art, in it’s best capacity, moves us to incorporate it into our daily lives – even when we
don’t fully understand it.
- Fashion Study with painting by Jackson Pollock. Vogue, 1951 by Cecil Beaton.
- Vogue Editorial on Pollock. March 1951.
- Blogger Tavi Garrison Adapting Pollock for Fashion. April, 2010.
- Detail. April 2010.
- Galatea of the Spheres by Salvador Dali, 1952.
- Dress Design by Adrian. Textile Design by Salvador Dali, 1947.
- Dress Design by Adrian. Textile Design by Salvador Dali. 1947.
- Tears Evening Dress by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1938. Textiles by Salvador Dali.
- Lobster Evening Dress by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1937. Textile Design by Salvador Dali.
- Wallis Simpson in the Lobster Dress.
- Wallis Simpson in the Lobster Gown, sitting.
- Cover of American Fabrics Magazine, Fall 1950.
- Composition with Gray and Light Brown by Piet Mondrian, 1918
- Composition with Red, Yellow and Blue by Piet Mondrian, 1921.
- Composition #10 by Piet Mondrian, 1939.
- YSL Dress Inspired by Mondrian.
- Mondrian Inspired YSL Dress, Photo: Sipa Press/Rex Features.
- Yves St. Laurent Exhibit. De Young Museum, 2009.
- Galliano Inspired by Picasso.
- Elie Saab’s Inspired by Chuck Close.
- Miyake Inspired by Matisse.
Art improves the quality of life. Enjoy it, wherever you find it.
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