Fashion and art is a collaboration as old as time.
When Karl Lagerfeld sadly passed away last year, he left an incredible legacy as a designer for Chanel, as well as countless ideas, brilliant designs, drawings, quotes and insults peppered with incredibly scathing wit. For him, fashion was life in all its light and shade. And those that didn’t embrace it were advised to best get out of the way! Lagerfeld was once quoted as saying, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Yes, brutal.
Fashion is an industry that, like it or loathe it, supports so many facets. It’s at an intersection where textiles, form, function, design, manufacturing, art and even music and models meet. Like Karl, it can be downright cool or super-controversial, and that’s what makes it so fascinating to those that follow it. Fashion is ever-changing, and it keeps us all on our toes (or heels depending on who you are).
What is also forgotten is that fashion reflects us, our homes, and who we are at any given time. To look back on fashion is to look back on a richly woven time capsule. Even in the last century – you had the boom times of the 20s reflected in extravagant, beaded clothing and expensive suits and hats, then later the very subdued colours during wartime when material was scarce – through to the overuse of fabric in the excessive 80s where shoulder pads reigned supreme.
Fashion is not just about what’s in your wardrobe either. It’s also reflected in our buying choices for home décor and furnishings and that includes the art that adorns our private spaces. From the industrial revolution onwards, how we furnished our homes has changed dramatically. Giving rise to Modernism, Art Nouveau, Colonial Revival, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Meditteranean, Surrealism, Scandinavian Modern, Transitional 50s, Postmodernism, Contemporary 80s and more. Top trends this year include vintage accents, strong use of navy blue, florals, contrast and a move away from white kitchens. Who knows what 2021 will hold?!
If you’d like to see a snapshot of what the latest fashionistas are up to right now and come away totally inspired, make sure to check what’s on in your state in terms of events. There’s some big ones on their way. One to take note of is the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Known currently as VAMFF, it’s an annual celebration of runways, ideas and creative endeavour. You’ll not only get to see what’s hot on the catwalks but also find opportunities to take in film, exhibits, activations and fabulous food. The event is on from the 4th-14th March so don’t miss it.
For those that can’t make it to Victoria, don’t despair. In Brisbane March 13th and 14th is the European Fashion Festival, in Sydney on May 17th and 18th there’s the Mercedes Benz Fashion Weekend Edition (And Fashion Week 11 May), and numerous other excellent occasions kicking off in each state.
One final closing comment from Karl, directed specifically to those who might rightly read this article and say “Well, fashion is expensive, I can’t find anything affordable and cheap so what’s the damn point?”.
As Karl once said, “Never use the word “cheap”. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans — it’s up to you.”
Wise advice we say.
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