With respect to visual design, you can draw inspiration from nearly any source. Nature, architecture, and interior design are common sources for new art projects. Similarly, existing works of art can also serve as a jumping-off point for a new visual concept and idea. Famous artist and pop culture icon Andy Warhol once claimed that “fashion is more art than art is.” Fashion designer and landscape design guru Rebecca Ford, of New Canaan, thinks that high fashion and fine art are connected, both as design inspirations and the similarities that they share.
Exploring Influence
When you think of fine art, you might think of classic works such as the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci or James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1,” which is better known as “Whistler’s Mother.” Many people know these works of art, even if they’re not art aficionados. Even if the names of the pieces aren’t familiar, people from various walks of life recognize these works. Similarly, high fashion is also influential. Coco Chanel’s little black dress from the 1920s lives on as a timeless wardrobe staple in many closets of people from all walks of life.
Transcending Time
One thing that high fashion and fine art share is a sense of timelessness. That isn’t to say that wearables and art pieces can’t be trendy and indicative of a particular time period. For example, you likely wouldn’t look at Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and think that it was a modern piece, but you’ve probably seen this iconic piece of art referenced in other pieces and other media, such as television shows and films. Similarly, there are high-fashion moments that are so iconic that we can’t imagine life without them, such as the Burberry trench coat introduced in the mid-1800s.
Embracing Simplicity
Another common thread between fine art and high fashion is simplicity. In many cases, simplicity and timelessness go hand in hand. Rebecca Ford, New Canaan resident and design expert, points out the simple design of the Hermès Birkin bag or Levi’s 501 jeans, and how those pieces influenced other clothing for generations. While fine art can be ornate and complicated, there are many classic pieces that are relatively simple in their execution. Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” are two examples. Although simplicity is in the eye of the beholder (and the hand of the creator), the impact of these pieces shows that complexity isn’t always necessary for influence.
High fashion and fine art have much in common, especially in the way they’ve both influenced other works. Individual pieces of garment and famous paintings are often simple and timeless, transcending the periods in which they were created. Look to classic works of art and iconic moments in fashion as inspiration for your next design project.
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