Is fashion art?

Throughout history, fashion and art have been two separate entities, however, as of late, fashion has made a transition into the world of art.  The expression, intention, and aesthetic of couture fashion have pushed it over the edge into the world of art.  Fashion is much more commonly thought of as art than it was a few centuries ago.  The intention of couture fashion and art are much the same.  Both are intended to be an expression outlet for artists.  Both are meant to innovate and inspire. 

If you have ever walked through an art museum, you have likely felt something inside of you, whether it was inspiration, motivation, or just an overwhelming appreciation for the beauty art evokes.  Very similarly, if you have ever attended a fashion show, you have probably felt those same feelings as you did walking through the art museum.  An outfit can definitely make you feel a certain way, as I’m sure almost everybody has experienced.  When you put on a well-put-together outfit, you most likely feel confident, strong, and beautiful.  Other people who are attuned to fashion can appreciate your outfit and feel inspired by it, whether it’s to be more confident themselves, or to simply appreciate the look.  Both art and fashion are highly appreciated and adored.  People are drawn in by things that evoke feelings within them.  

Both fashion and art are created with craftsmanship, by a skilled, passionate artist.  Fashion designers are indeed artists.  Artists use many mediums to express themselves, for example, oil paints, clay, stone, pencils, glass, metal, chalk.  The list can go on and on.  Textiles are yet another medium for artists to display their handiwork.  Artists put time and skill into all mediums of art as well as couture fashion. 

If you are not convinced yet that fashion and art share many characteristics, and that fashion is most definitely a form of art, consider the artists who have used and been influenced by fashion in their work, along with the fashion designers who have made art and have been influenced by art.  Consider Prada Marfa by Elmgreen and Dragset as an example of artists who have used fashion in their art.  This is an art piece developed by two artists who were influenced by the impact that fashion, specifically Prada, has on society so much so that they created a fake Prada storefront in Texas. 

 

An example of fashion designers using art in their fashion is Yves Saint Laurent and the Mondrian dress.  Piet Mondrain, a Dutch painter, created a beautiful geometric painting which Yves Saint Laurent, a fashion designer, then used as direct inspiration for a collection.  The painting and the dresses in the collection are extremely similar as you can see.  These two examples demonstrate how directly fashion and art use each other to be influenced and inspired.  From art statements and dresses like these, it is clear to see how fashion and art converge and collide to create stunning masterpieces.