Alexander McQueen – 10 inch heels “Armadillo shoes” from the Spring 2010 collection

Aesthetic work could be anything, from a painting to sculpture to performance or even FASHION!!!

When it comes to fashion, specifically the crafted work we see during Haute Couture (high fashion) week, should we consider it art or just clothes? Haute Couture combines artistic quality with fashion garments. We all heard the saying “Fashion is a form of art!”, although some people don’t agree with this, I actually do.

Fashion to me is a way of thinking & creativity. Viewing the latest trends from top designers, such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano & Chanel it seems that today designers may be drawing their inspiration from art! I call it “Art on the Runway”, just like any painting/drawing or installation you see in a gallery. And like any work of art, you start with research, inspiration, a sketch, and a creation process that requires a great deal of skills and talent. The designer cuts their fabrics with the skills of a sculptor and adds color and texture with the skills of a painter. Although garments like this (more specifically Couture) will never be worn in the “real world” some people are willing to pay a lot of money to buy it for their own collection, just like they would of a painting/drawing.

There have been a few fashion exhibitions, such in The Museum of the City of New York, Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the Brooklyn Museum. Fashion has the power to change an image and make a social statement like any other art can. There will always be a debate on whether fashion is art but we are still left with the question, is fashion a form of art?

What do you think? Do you consider Fashion a form of Art or does it depend?

Haute Couture Atelier Versace Dress including the sketch

Steven Colucci had an exhibition of paintings and Haute Couture at the National Arts Club. The exhibition featured 12 new paintings and 6 gowns bearing his original artwork and debuting as a designer. (Image: Miss USA Crystle Stewart in one of his creations)

Links:
http://www.mcny.org/exhibitions/past/paris-new-york-design-fashion-culture-1925-1940.html
http://fitnyc.edu/3662.asp
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/american_high_style/
http://www.artofcolucci.com/
http://www.nationalartsclub.org/index.htm

-Daliana Rosa