Fashion Is Art – But Is It Surreal or Just Unreal?
April 25, 2014
By Brian Maynor
April 25, 2014
Fashion has always been tied to art and pushing the boundaries of convention, and today is no exception. With Artista Vista this weekend it is the perfect time to celebrate the art of fashion with all its quirky eccentricities.
I recently read an interesting article in the May INSTYLE magazine (Look Smart: Has Fashion Gone Mad?) by their fashion news director Eric Wilson looking at the extreme offerings of recent fashion shows. From dresses made of fake nails to SpongeBob sportswear many people are asking ‘would you really wear that? With Lady Gaga and Miley constantly donning outrageous outfits, are we in danger of becoming desensitized to sensationalism? It’s hard to imagine Elsa Schiaparelli’s iconic ‘lobster dress’ raising an eyebrow today.
Fashion can be pure expression and here are a few thoughts to help you experiment and play with clothes:
1. Fashion vs. Style. Yves Saint Laurent captured the essence of this debate perfectly when he said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Fashion is art. There are no boundaries or rules that can’t be broken and no confines of decorum. It is all about being in the moment. This season we’ve seen sheer skirts take center stage in fashion shows around the globe. Can you imagine seeing your banker, or lawyer or coworker wearing a sheer skirt? Even on their day off? Probably not. It’s not practical, but that’s the point and my main distinction between fashion and style. Fashion is not about practicality. Like art it is about the specific piece and the expression of the artist, where as style is personal, unique and an extension of you.
2. It’s all about attention. Fashion does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects and adapts to the world around it, and during times of recession fashion becomes more restrained and conservative. Now that we are through the recession we are seeing an explosion of creativity.
Designers are artists and share the internal longing to make a statement with their work and push the world forward. Slogans, material and inspiration all play a part in this drive. Some designers choose to voice their sentiments literally with words and slogans covering their pieces, while others use symbolism as more of a wink and nod in an effort to avoid being too explicit or inane. Fashion is still a business and there is a low threshold of tolerance in the general public for things that are too ‘weird.’
3. Unconventional is the new normal. If you don’t believe this, simply read any social magazine or website. Actors are constantly trying to stay in the headlines by wearing unconventional dresses or outfits. The pretty, conventional red carpet gowns are now boring and a surefire way not to be noticed. Remember J-Lo’s famous green gown? Today that is the norm and not the sensational exception.
While I still firmly believe your style is part of your brand, and it can be impacted by your fashion choices, that doesn’t mean you should never have fun or break away from style for a little fashion fun. It’s nice to feel liberated and free from convention every once and awhile.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Unleash your inner artist and check out Artista Vista going on this weekend! All the details can be found at:http://www.artistavista.com.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
