A to Z, 2012-- F is for...

FASHION!

As a quick aside, there's only a short time left to sign up for my super-awesome giveaway-- I'm choosing the winner on Sunday at noon (Eastern WhateverTheyCallIt Time, since that's where I live), so sign up ASAP if you want to win the jewelry! Aaaand, we're done here. Back to our regularly scheduled program.

Fashion and art go hand in hand. In my opinion, they always have and they always will. Many people view them as completely different aspects of creation; I believe that their metaphorical lines intersect much more frequently than those people would think. Art can (and does) inspire trends in the fashion world, and all art (by it's nature) reflects the trending aesthetics of the time it is created-- and in some cases, the fashion IS art, or the art that is created is a fashionable and wearable item.

To those of you who are totally confused by what I mean, take a look at one of the most iconic paintings of all time~

"Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette," painted in 1886 by Georges Seurat. Painted in the style of pointillism-- one of my absolute favorite styles of art, and one of my most favorite paintings, created by one of my favorite artists!

I know I'm starting to sound like Captain Obvious, but bear with me. Any painting (like the one above) that has the subjects in "current" dress will of course reflect contemporary fashion trends; if an artist chooses to paint a subject from a bygone era, modern aesthetics are still reflected because one's style is a reflection of current societal ideals of "art".

Conversely speaking, art influences fashion as well. Take a look at this one:

This one is titled "Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow"-- one of Piet Mondrian's most famous works!

One might wonder how such a simple painting could influence fashion. Well, wonder no more! Art can influence fashion for generations-- take a look here and here to see what I mean for some more evidence a la Captain Obvious.

Regarding the cross-over of fashion as art, and art as fashion, designers' couture runway shows and designs are a clear-cut example. The top designers are most definitely master artists, and their fashion is most DEFINITELY a form of art.

These are three of Betsey Johnson's designs. She is one of my favorite designers-- I love her use of color-- so bright and fun!

The designer herself, Ms. Johnson! I feel a kinship ;)

The next few are all by the same designer~

J'adore Dior! :D

I just HAD to add this one-- my blue!

And of course, another blue design, this one by Versace! I would wear this dress... if they made it in my size... and if it were anywhere close to my budget...

Jewelry, in my opinion, straddles the line of art and fashion, since it is both. When one creates jewelry as an art, fashion trends must be consulted and considered. At the same time, however, the jewelry also needs to reflect the aesthetic of the designer-- the artist-- because art without an artists' perspective is just another mass-produced item. If the final product does not reflect an artist or the artist's view then it is no longer art, simple as that.

Anyway, I could go on for days on this, but it should be clear to you all by now just how strongly I think art is connected to fashion. As Hubby would say, I think even Helen Keller in her current state would understand my views on this. Art and fashion are two sides of the same coin, neither more or less important than the other.

How does fashion influence you in YOUR creative work? Do any works of art inspire your fashion aesthetic? Or do any particular fashions (or eras of style) affect what you make? Leave a comment, because inquiring minds want to know!