Is Fashion Art?
As I stood at the beginning of this exhibition, headlined by two famous fashion icons, Vivienne Westwood and this was one of the many questions running through my head. What connects these two women? Why did the NGV pair them together. Why is this show in an art gallery?
Melbourne’s NGV (National Gallery of VIctoria) always has engaging exhibitions. Follow this link Westwood Kawakubo for more information on this exhibition. NGV put together an interesting comparison here, both successful self taught women designers who grew up post war era, and grew successful through creating new expressions in fashion.
After settling in and taking my time, it started to make sense, Some of their messages spoke to me, ideas about pushing boundaries and being fresh and new, which is so true in art. I am always trying to be different, taking my inspiration from the world around me, but expressing what I see in my own unique way.
The fashion on display was mostly unwearable. Kawakubo says that she thinks about shapes, and to me some of her designs are beautiful, others questionable. When I look at the photos I took and have shared with you, I see that I did not take photos of the truly strange looks, instead I have chosen the more “normal” looks which are still unique and interesting. All of the collections are expressing messages like “Not making Clothing” and “Smaller is Stronger”
Fashion is Art.
