Chapter 7.6: Fashion as Art

Is fashion art? It seems to be a simple question, but in actuality, fashion, when looked upon closely, is anything but simple.

In an article in the Observer about this very question, the author explains the correlation between art and fashion in that both can move people,” McQueen was an artist and an icon in every sense of the word. His works touched parts of the human soul only previously reached by master painters. He integrated spirit and energy in his creations in such a way that the persons wearing his pieces became living expressions of art.” Berges, G. (2019). In Defense of Fashion as a True Art Form. [online] Observer. [Accessed 29 Jul. 2019].

We can discuss fashion in terms of being a product that is manufactured and bought by the masses. However, as stated in the first paragraph, it is much more than that. Designers who are inspired by nature, a dream, or even just a specific color create concepts, and these concepts are formed into wearable art. At the end of the day, what we wear are extensions of ourselves, and sometimes what we choose to wear is to be able to connect with others. Just like a painting by Van Gogh, such as his Starry Night, has moved millions of people, so can a beautiful gown created by the late great Alexander McQueen or Karl Lagerfeld or a streetwear artist who hand paints artwork on a denim jacket as a form of expression. Even a clever cartoon that has been imprinted on a simple tee can bring a smile to a face. And isn’t that what art is all about? Art is created to make us feel something. Fashion can do the same.