It comes as no surprise that more and more designers are collaborating with famous artists to create new collections (or fashion designers are looking to art for inspiration). Fashion and art are both creative expressions of oneself and ideas. However, when the two merge, there is the potential for originality and creativity to go out the window.
There is no denying that fashion and art have a very close relationship. The mere fact that the MET puts fashion designers and their “pieces” on display alongside some of the world’s most famous artwork is a testament to this (we still can’t stop thinking about the Alexander McQueen exhibit last year!).
If you saw the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit at the MET this summer, you might remember Schiaparelli and Prada’s conversation on the issue of whether or not fashion is art. Schiaparelli has always maintained that fashion is art, but Prada, in her true rebellious style, disagrees and insists that fashion is not art.
Here we take a look at two of the most recent fashion designer/artist collaborations and how their collections measure up.
Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama. Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist well known for her dense use of polka dots. Kusama currently has an exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Louis Vuitton is not only sponsoring Kusama’s exhibit but has collaborated with her on a new line. The collection, which partially launched on July 21st, is centered around the artists signature bold spots, which cover every item from shoes to dresses to handbags. While the clothing line might be a little too bold for most of us to wear (mustard yellow and bright red are not the most universally flattering colors), the 5th Ave window display is definitely a sight to see.
To take this line from the runway to the real world, we suggest accessories. We love the hand bags which are bound to spice up any outfit. We are also eyeing the chic black flats with the black and white polka dot bow. Keep your eye out, the second part of the Louis Vuitton-Kusama collection will be unveiled at Selfridges on August 24. Although, we are sure it won’t be hard to miss.
Christian Dior and Anselm Reyle. Reyle is a contemporary German artist known for his abstract paintings. Dior and Reyle collaborated on a line of accessories this past spring. It is hard not to miss the overwhelming camouflage theme throughout the line. If you take a look at Reyle’s “foil painting,” one of his most famous works, it almost mirrors that bright camouflage design found on all of the Dior pieces. This collection fits nicely into the neon and tribal trends of late, however, it appears Reyle has merely used his signature design and printed it onto Dior’s signature Miss Dior handbags and shoes. The same goes for the make-up that is also part of the Dior-Reyle collection.
