Fashion As An Art Form

As one of the most iconic fashion designers of all time, Coco Chanel once expressed “Fashion is not just something that exists in the dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” This powerful statement clarifies the true elegance and beauty that fashion brings to the world. Fashion makes the globe more creative and daring with the dazzling designers, magnificent models and crazy catwalks! Clothing can speak a thousand words and create a depth of feelings and emotions, just as art is a way of self-expression and letting your imaginative side explode, fashion allows each individual to have a personality and be who they want to be. Just imagine life without fashion. What would you be wearing right now? Will the streets look different? Would life still continue? Without fashion the worlds just a considerable boring land with humans, just as Bill Cunningham says “Fashion is the Armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” I believe it takes a lot of talent, creative bones and artistic eyes to create such fantabulous designs, whether its chic dresses or funky home décor. Not everybody has the gift to seek the beauty and genius in fashion and that’s why I daresay that fashion is a form of art.

Fashion is unquestionably fierce, fabulous and fetching. Without a doubt fashion is just a way of living, these striking new trends and awe-inspiring looks keeps the world alive. I strongly believe fashion is art and even compliments it. Being a fashion designer is a field of hard work which requires perseverance and a lot of dedication, to loads this is a passionate career and livelihood, just as an artist. In fact according to Fashion United there is currently around 555,000 people that are employed in the fashion industry in the UK alone. However thanks to society today some people think of fashion and imagine famous overrated designers and rich ditzy models strutting down a runway, but their wrong. These designers and models put their blood, sweat and tears into their passion for fashion and in all honesty that should be respected more. Maybe it’s that individuals don’t know that without the art of fashion it would be difficult to be the person we are today and make an expressive visual statement about our identity. Did you know that there is 4200 religions in the world? Fashion allows the world to embody our beliefs and cultures which to me is very influential and heart-warming, the fabric we wear on our bodies empowers the way we live. Fashion should be considered art as it also helps with our sexuality, especially helping the LGBTQ+ community. An article by Refrinery29 had a touching message that proves fashion is very powerful, “for some, fashion is a means of definition; for others, its small part of a very big, colourful picture…during pride month you see the connection between fashion and identity.” The earth becomes a more positive place with fashion as it’s “a shield that protects us from outside judgement and misinterpretation.” We’re free to be ourselves through the art of fashion.

Designers are artist. Fashion is art. As most fashionistas have a background in the world of art it proves that both are linked. The late and great Alexander McQueen is one of the most famous fashion designers of all time, the bold breath-taking designer had unforgettable work and his legacy still goes on today. In defence of fashion as true art form, Georges Berges wrote “McQueen was an artist and an icon in every sense of the world. His work touched parts of the human soul only previously reached by master painters. He integrated spirit and energy in his creations in such a way that the persons wearing his pieces became living expressions of art.” If you still believe art doesn’t apply to fashion then you’re missing out on this incredible beauty. The beauty that is in our clothing, the beauty that is all around us, the beauty that not everyone seeks. However not all designers in the fashion industry believe that fashion is a form of art which blows my mind. The American fashion designer, Marc Jacobs says “fashion is not art” which I fail to agree with. Fashion is exciting, relevant and consistent. A dress does not need to be hanged on a wall to be considered art, as a matter of fact it’s probably better being showed off on a human as it creates a more dominant artistry. Our appearance to this big old world is all about how we dress whether your style is modern, vintage, chic, causal, gothic, sophisticated whatever. In life we are the canvas and fashion is the art.

Ever heard the expression “be the flamingo in a folk of pigeons”? These words are about standing out with true confidents and being yourself. Fashion allows us to be that flamingo and release our inner artist. When the question “is fashion art?” was asked on Debate.Org, 82% said yes and 18% said no. The high number of yes is evidence that people truly care about the art of fashion and conveys how deeply it means to people. Even though there is some others who don’t believe in the art of fashion, their unconventional approach doesn’t baffle me at all because I know I’m right. By having art and fashion in one its lifesaving, I’m sure you’ve all heard of Lady Gaga, a singing icon, an acting icon and a fashion icon. This strong independent woman revealed fashion actually saved her from depression. The pop star said “fashion is that thing that saved me from being sad. I’ve always cared about my costumes and my clothes. When I leave my apartment I like to look pretty for my fans but not in a hot sexy girl way-I don’t care about that, I just want to make you feel something with what I wear. I want to make you feel happy and enjoy the theatre of my life the way that I do.” This powerful capturing message shows that fashion really does have an impact on people’s life and it’s truly a god given gift to have the eyes of a designer. But the thing I truly love about the art of fashion is that anybody can be in love with it, just like Lady Gaga who is best known for being a singer but when she puts her costumes on she transforms into the star she is.

For all the people out there that don’t associate art with fashion, then how can they explain the night where the most exquisite gorgeous fabrics are explored on the human body? One of the most iconic nights of the year which is the Met Gala that is also known for “Fashions biggest night out”. This is when all the celebrities we know and love gather together for a special event wearing high class top designers gowns and suits that helps funds the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, yes museum of ART! Here you’ll see the most outrageous, stunning, heavenly designs ever created here. As soon as you step inside your eyes are nonstop starring at every piece of art that is wore on the bodies of the world’s biggest boldest celebs, I mean I guess life’s just too short to be wearing boring clothes. Of course the Met Gala outfits may not be suitable for everyday but as Donna Versace once said “If you want to be comfortable, stay at home in your pyjamas.”

At the end of the day fashion will always be consider art as it’s just too precious to be over looked. Without the art of fashion the world would be so basic and dull, I strongly believe life wouldn’t continue. Even though life isn’t always perfect, your outfit can be and it can bring a little joy over the dark cloudy days. Fashion makes us unique and we don’t appreciate that enough, especially how were not grateful for the amazing designers that are so skillful and have a mind set on making us happy with their outstanding designs. Every artwork has a story behind it just like a dress can tell a tale. Fashion will always be a form of art as it’s a personal passion and just like Ralph Lauren said “fashion is about something that comes from within you.”