Austin Scarlet discussed the interdependent relationship of fashion and fine art from a historical perspective. This relationship can be traced back to the court of King Philip IV, where artist Diego Velazquez decorated the interiors of the palace as well as the clothing of the royal family and the ladies in waiting. During the 17th and 18th centuries, art reflected the riches of the patron’s lifestyle in the same vein that the fashions they wore would; for example, the wardrobe of Louis XIV was open to visitations from the public so they could admire it.

When milliner and dressmaker Rose Bertin emerged in the court of Marie Antoinette, she became the first celebrated French fashion designer, and is widely credited with having brought haute couture to the forefront of popular culture. The industrial revolution made clothing more accessible to the middle class. Simpler lines and unrestricted clothing appeared in artist circles. Wonderful collaborations emerged between fashion designers and the world of theater and ballet. A prime example would be Picasso designing for the Ballet Russes.

The golden age of couture arrived in the 50s and the 60s – with America’s first master couturier, Charles James, working from his Chelsea Hotel studio. Artists such as Andy Warhol, who used a graphic art approach, brought forth the Pop Art movement. Warhol made paper dresses that his artwork printed on them and sold to those brave enough to wear them.

Today, fashion has fully attained its status as an art form. Fine art uses fashion as a vehicle to reach a larger audience – one can note the collaborations between artists Murakami and Richard Prince with fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton, and fashion is recognized as art in museums – an example being the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Patrick McMullan has documented the NYC nightlife for decades and in the process has observed the trends of the ever-evolving wearable art. McMullan spoke about his love of photographing people in ‘look at me’ clothes. Fashion adds status, color, flair, and style to each of us – art on the body becoming interactive and inviting conversation. McMullan noted that art, fashion, and technology are on the verge of the ultimate collaboration, with photography itself serving as both functional and fine art.

Bill Indursky, as part of VandM, has developed one of the only trend forecasts connecting design trends and antiques. He noted that today things do not stay original anymore. The ‘upcycling’ trend – in which designers recut, repurpose and redesign clothing – reimagines a vintage item, giving it a second life beyond its original function.

Indursky spoke of the impact of the Internet on fashion and art. The Internet has made a designer’s collection readily available to copycats. Once a new collection is shown publicly, it becomes globally mass-produced within days. The idea of a ‘master of the craft’ gets lost in the process. However, the Internet also helps designers and artists easily access knowledge and information on techniques and trends from all parts of the world.

Trends in the current and next year are medieval fantasy – think of TV shows such as “Game of Thrones”, Barbie glam – feminine forms, bejeweled, kitsch with a tough edge, technochanic – structural forms, technology in organic form, and the greatest hits of all of Europe – sort of a best times in fashion through an English lens, stripped down, darker interiors, clothing is more medieval.

The panelists all agreed that we have a lot to look forward to, as the thriving trend of fine art and fashion collaboration is helping create a new and exciting hybrid art form.

The Fusion of Fine Art and Fashion was the third in an exciting new educational series of panels entitled Art as Entrepreneurship. Each panel hosts a mix of creators, investors, historians, and innovators in a monthly art discussion.

For more information regarding future panels you can go to:
www.aiproductions.org
http://twitter.com/ActiveIdea
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Active-Ideas-Productions/286741754688305
http://www.nycga.net/

Share/Save

Lindsey Wixson, Ginta Lapina, Daphne Groeneveld, Siri Tollerod in Miu Miu Fall Winter 2010-2011 Ad Campaign
Music: Generations Of Love (Dj Filix Remix) – Phunk Investigation Vs. Boy George

xoxo Karin

Share/Save

All the way from down under Australia! Elvis Di Fazio photography is smoking HOT!

To see more of Elvis’s work, click on: DI’FAZIO

xoxo Karin

Share/Save

Jamie Nelson photography is the true essence of sensuality. Her images reflect an inner indulgence, capturing the right emotions.

Clearly it’s not just a naked body that can make an image sexy or strong… but the eyes of the subject and the mood created can be truly engaging.

Amazing work Jamie !!!

To see more of Jamie’s work, click on: NELSON

xoxo Karin

Share/Save

Share/Save

William Quigley, Katherine Theofilos, and Alex Claster invite you to celebrate FASHION & ART with the creation of Skrapper Inc.

DATE: Tuesday April 20th, 2010

LOCATION: Good Units @ the Hudson Hotel / 356 West 58th Street

TIME: 8:30PM – late

NO Name Dropping Bullshit – MUST RSVP: RSVP@skrapper.com

I would love for you to join us and Skrapper Tuesday 4.20.2010 for a very quirky trip to celebrate art, photography, fashion and Skrappers New LIne of T-shirts!!!

Style.com, Page Six, NY Post, Metro Mix, Thrillist, NYCool.com, Maxim and Antenna Magazine plus Stylist and Photographers will be in attendance.

Btw, buy 3 SHIRTS ONLINE: SKRAPPER … AND WITH YOUR RECEIPT GET INTO THE SEXIEST NYC EVENT THIS APRIL AT THE SKRAPPER 4/20 PARTY if you haven’t yet RSVP!

xoxo Karin

Share/Save

Share/Save

Share/Save

I LOVE David LaChapelle’s work. I have been following him since I started with my own photography. He was one of 4 photographers who really inspired me to being creative and explore the world of photography. Through my eyes… The composite of negative to positive… The motion of creating a reality or an image which depicts someone’s reality. David LaChapelle illustrates this amazingly well with a twisted sense of humor! I applause him!!!! 

How hot is Tommy Lee???!!!

This image was for GQ – Quentin Tarantino 

Benedikt and Anjelika from Taschen book publications… HOT!!!

David LaChappelle is always innovating and constantly moving with his images. He never ceases to capture and detain my interest. I am a true fan!!! 

Here he has HOT Angelina Jolie in ecstasy… How breathless!

To see more of David LaChapelle’s work, click on: LACHAPELLES WORLD

xoxo Karin

Share/Save

Share/Save