Fashion and style have a deep cultural history, with fashion moments impacting art, politics, and the rise and fall of various trends. It’s easy to view fashion as just a way of expressing yourself, but there’s more to fashion than meets the eye. Fashion often intersects with some of the biggest cultural events in our lives, creating a unique way for us to explore and express our creativity. For those interested in diving deep into fashion’s history and its impact on art, culture, and style, these are five exhibitions to visit for a truly unique experience.
1. Exploring the Intersection Between Art and Style
From gazing at Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Instagramming Valentino’s latest couture ensemble, art and style have long been intertwined. Yet, what is it about these two concepts that have captivated our imagination for centuries? To parse out the undercurrent of connection between them, it’s worth exploring what makes them so mutually compelling.
Take for instance, fashion’s continued appropriation of art. Whether taking inspiration from Picasso’s cubist period or Matisse’s bright palettes, fashion designers have long found artistic reference points for clothing design. This stands to reason; just as Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon featured an impulse to challenge traditional conventions of beauty, fashion also pushes boundaries of how the body can be adorned or presented. In this spirit, designers like Iris van Herpen have modeled surreal, gravity-defying creations on an array of visual art concepts.
Or consider the ways many artistic movements are intrinsically tied to their moment in history. For example, fashion reflects—and is inextricably linked to—the wider cultural context in which it is rooted. Fashion designer hailing from a certain area will often be influenced by that area’s unique culture. Think of the impact witnessing Paris’ advanced poetry and art scene had on Coco Chanel and her contemporaries in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Or, consider the seminal countercultural movements enabled through style and dress, such as punk or grunge. Many of these movements were born out of the historical and political moment of their conception and provided the most direct way to convey that message.
Finally, there’s the influence of various art mediums on style expression. From graffiti to street art, many forms of visual art can be used as impactful inspiration for fashion. Indie, streetwear brands like Nike and Supreme have long acknowledged the importance of mural, interiors, and other mediums, often by literally isolating parts of paintings and reinterpreting them into designs comprised of color palettes and patterns.
From the onset, art and fashion have been pervasive in the same space and though they can technically exist independently, for centuries, artists and designers have been interweaving them to create powerful, unique styles, silhouettes and movements. At the end of the day, it’s fascinating and inspiring to witness this uniting of two creative forces.
2. What to See at Fashion Exhibitions
Fashion exhibitions are a great way to explore and experience new trends and styles. These are often held in museums, galleries, or even at popular department stores around the world. Here’s what to watch out for at fashion exhibitions.
Trends:
Expositions of fashion are hotbeds of inspiration, from the most popular seasonal trends to emerging designers. Get your fill of the must-haves of the moment, and return inspired with your own take on the trend.
Designs:
Observe the many approaches to design at fashion shows. From contemporary to classic to avant-garde, fashion expositions can take on a wide range of themes. Discover new ways of merging textures, colors, and styles that bring out the best in clothing.
Quality:
Fashion exhibitions aren’t just about design; they’re also about craftsmanship and quality. Examine the details, from stitching to fabric selection, to get a better understanding of the significance of quality and why some garments cost more than others.
Experience:
Most importantly, fashion exhibitions are a great way to get inspired and spark creativity. Enjoy the show-stopping pieces and imaginative runway models, and walk away feeling ready to revamp your wardrobe.
3. Unlocking the Secrets of Fashion Through Exploration
Exploring fashion is a great way to unlock the secrets of fashion. It can be both a fun and educational activity. Here are a few tips for how to explore fashion:
- Research the History of Fashion: Fashion has a long history, from the 1940s to the present day. Learning the history of fashion can provide an understanding of the how fashion trends have changed over time.
- Explore Different Trends: Taking a look at different trends can help you get a better understanding of fashion. Checking in regularly with fashion magazines, websites, or even fashion blogs can help you to keep up with the changing landscape of fashion.
- Find Inspiration from Other Styles: you can also get inspiration from other styles such as streetwear, punk, gothic, and more. Seeing how others dress and accessorize can provide insights into the trends and other styles that may be popular at the moment.
Exploring fashion can also open up opportunities to create and customize your own style. With the help of custom fashion apps, you can design your own clothing and accessories to create a look that is truly unique to you. Doing so can give you a greater appreciation for fashion and how to express yourself through it.
Investing in Quality Pieces: With exploration comes an understanding of what quality fashion pieces look like. Finding quality materials for shoes, bags, and clothing is key to unlocking the secrets of fashion. Investing in high quality pieces will help ensure you wear items that last and look great for many years.
Exploring fashion and unlocking its secrets can be a great way to develop a better understanding and appreciation of something you love. By researching the history, exploring different trends, getting inspiration from other styles, and investing in quality pieces, you can become an expert on fashion in no time.
4. A Guide to the Best Fashion Exhibitions Around the World
Are you a fashion aficionado looking for the latest trends? Well, look no further. We’ve put together a comprehensive rundown of the best fashion exhibitions around the world – from the immersive to the historical to the collector’s items. Here’s the lowdown on where to go and what to expect!
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Step inside the rich and glamorous Met Costume Institute Collection, where you can browse designer dresses from the world’s leading fashion houses, ranging from classic stiletto heels to glitzy bejewelled gowns. If you’re looking for a truly opulent experience, be sure to check out the spectacular fashion showcases, featuring some of the most elite garments from around the world.
Victoria and Albert Museum, London: This museum is a must for any fashion lover. Its Accessories Collection is vast, and you can find everything here: hats, necklaces, earrings, watches, belts and much more. You can even discover fashion illustration from some of the earliest days of European couture, as well as browse the gallery of catwalk looks from throughout the years.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Paris: The legendary fashion designer’s eponymous museum in the French capital is filled with his most iconic designs, dating from his very first couture collections to the haute couture shows of the 1980s. Witness the legacy of the fashion house’s master himself and get an inside look at the design process and craftsmanship that went into making each piece.
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York: The College at FIT offers fashion exhibits throughout the year that are entirely student-run. From eco-design to the art of draping, you can discover fashion works in a range of media, such as photography, film, sculpture and more. Plus, get caught up on current trends and discover fresh works of art by up and coming designers.
From traveling runways shows to museum retrospectives, fashion exhibitions offer a unique window into the creative world of fashion. Here, we explored how fashion exists at the intersection of style and art, giving us insight into both what we wear and how fashion impacts our lives. With more and more fashion exhibitions becoming available, the possibilities for exploring this intersection are endless. Experience it for yourself and discover something new!
