Last weekend I had dinner with my best friend and her mum. My best friend studied Fashion Marketing, and she is amazing at it. The conversation was incredibly invigorating and inspired me on a lot of topics I want to write about.
We talked about art -that seems to be a recurring subject in my life- and how it affects our daily life. My friend said something that struck me as incredibly wise, “To work in art or fashion you have to be cultured. You have to study, read, and know what is happening on this world”.
I agree 100% with that statement, it is not only about the aesthetics, but also about the causes of the artist’s work. What propelled him or her to do that? What message are they trying to convey? What is considered art? Who can be considered an artist?
In the midst of the conversation, she mentioned a fashion show by Alexander McQueen, in which the model was “attacked” by machines spraying paint into her dress. I had never considered myself a fan of the brand, I found it too extravagant for my personal style. But, I decided to do some research on him (I tend to do this a lot, I love to do research), his work and why was he considered so fashion forward. (It’s not like every fashion designer decides to “attack” the model with paint)
What I found, left me with the sensation that I was in front of the work of a great, cultured, intelligent human being. One of those people that makes me want to say “Faith in humanity restored!”.
All his collections had a message, all of them were a reaction to what was happening in the world at the time. All of them were controversial, and had haters as much as they had lovers. While seeing the videos of his runways you might think “Wow, sublime work!” or “Disgusting, why am I seeing this?”. Either way, he is making us FEEL something. Which is the whole purpose of a work of art.
I chose some looks from my favourite collections (so far) to at least try to portray some of the artistry this man offered.
The whole show on this particular season makes you think of reptiles and sea creatures, almost like going back to our evolutionary roots (Yes, he appeals to the scientist in me)
Making us feel like princesses, and showing that his genius goes beyond the breaking of boundaries.
This particular collection was one of my favourites. It’s a bit grotesque, and some pieces crash with what we WANT to see, still it feels like he is trying to convey a message throughout the whole collection. Almost like mocking society and our never ending need to spend more and more, while not creating anything new.
I could definitely wear this, makes me think of my childhood and imaginary games with mythical creatures.
Fit for a queen. No wonder Duchess Catherine chose the brand for her wedding dress.
I immediately thought of a jellyfish when I saw this look. Maybe life under the sea is better after all.
Even with the grotesque makeup and features of the model, I could still see myself wearing something like this. (And turning some heads around while doing so)
If I hadn’t been open to see this different fashion, I wouldn’t have seen the visionary that he was. Granted, I won’t we wearing any of his high heels anytime soon (they are incredibly high for my taste), but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy seeing his creations, and trying to grasp the message behind them. Trying (or pretending) to understand the story of the man behind the art I’m enjoying. I might even consider wearing one of his skull printed scarves, or clutches. Who know? I’m open to new things all the time, and one of my mottos is “never say never”.
And who knows? The more I read on him, the more I love what he did. I’ll probably write about him some more.
Lots of Love
Dany
All images via Style.com
P.S. If you remember, there was an exhibition called “Savage Beauty” on the MET, that debuted on 2011. If you are lucky enough and live in London, you can see it on the V&A until July 19th, 2015. Buy tickets here.
From med to the MET 
Reblogged this on Tree-Magazine !.
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