What is the difference between seeing something great,
and wearing it?
It's a question that's been bothering me for a couple of weeks now - especially after spending the last month gazing longingly at runway looks - knowing full well that I'd never own the items I so desperately adored.
Even so, I've continued to watch these shows, not out of a sense of obligation - but because I actually like them. Seeing new creative ideas manifest themselves into material form, watching the runway designs, critiquing the hair styling, salivating over the shoes - it's an experience, and an enjoyable one at that.
Yet there's always a small sort of sadness - something I try to ignore, but can't ever fully shunt. It's a little nagging feeling that reminds me, time and time again, that I'll never fully experience the clothing.
No matter how many models I watch, bloggers I admire, or celebrities I stalk,
there will always be the latent yearning to wear the clothes myself - a yearning that will never be fulfilled.
So why is it there? Why aren't I satisfied with simply viewing the objects of my affection modeled on beautiful people?
Why can't fashion be like film or artwork, and be appreciated at arm's length?
Is there something scientific to the instant gratification that donning the apparel incites? Or is the satisfaction simply driven by the same sentiment that fuels my shopping addiction - the constant need for something new?
I'm inclined to say no, considering that oftentimes, I'm just as excited about an innovative pairing of old pieces as I am a spanking new purchase. Then again, I guess that's "new" in a sense too.
I found this quote in Cathy Horyn's review of the Dolce & Gabbana's 75 piece show at Milan Fashion Week particularly interesting:
"But the problem...was the sense of waste. How many of these garments will be produced? And if only a selection of the runway pieces winds up in stores, what are the many reviewers at the show or online really reviewing?
It seems I'm not the only one that struggles with treating fashion and artwork interchangeably.
I assume Ms. Horyn wouldn't have devalued a collection of Picasso paintings for failing to be made immediately available to the public for purchase.
I know I whine a lot about how "fashion is art" ...
but maybe it's not.
Why?
photos by sheeds
I think some designers are more artistic than others. You simply can't compare Commes des Garcons and Isabel Marant for instance. However I think there's a market for both - artistic and commercial. Personally I often feel sad, like you, knowing I'll never wear some pieces but at the same time I feel some comfort in just adoring them from afar.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I shouldn't lump "fashion" together. I think you're exactly right - some designers are more about the display, and some more about the wearability. Too bad I usually want to wear both. ;)
DeleteI have always believed, and still do that style is art more so than the actual pieces of clothing themselves. certainly some designer clothing is art (even if it may not be reproduced and sold ala famous artwork) but styling clothing from different companies (albeit commercial or designer) in a unique way is certainly artistic. However I think that comes much more from the person wearing the clothing than anybody else
ReplyDeleteWHOA. This is SUCH an amazing comment, Gaby.
DeleteCannot believe I didn't address this more. It's the way we repurpose the clothing that's so fulfilling, not just the fact that we have it against our skin.
Thank you so much for saying this.
This is such a fascinating subject that I don't think the general public will ever understand.......I find myself viewing different designers work as art on a daily basis.......I know that it sounds crazy but i would rather have my art hanging in my closet than on my wall......and I long for certain pieces the same way you do, maybe one day we will own them :))
ReplyDeleteBrooke @ what2wear
Defining what is and what it not art is one of the slipperiest slopes. Without delving into a thesis, I think one's "style" is more an expression of themselves, and therefore more artful than "fashion". Some people express/define this style through the construction of garments (which may or may not be fashionable). The urge to wear the beautiful clothing we see on the runway is understandable. We want to experience the beauty as much as we can. If I could wear a Picasso, I would.
ReplyDeletexo
ashley
www.thephotogramps.blogspot.com
I love this.
DeleteMaybe you can?
Do I sense a Picasso clothing line in the works?
i'm with gaby on this one. no one ever says art makes the man, it's clothes that make the man. or woman more specifically. fashion is indeed a form of art but it's the utilization of fashion that gives us the opportunity for self expression. the designer's vision is oeuvre as with most works of art but unlike other artistic mediums we're allowed an interactive role in the creative process when we wear, style, and give new life to a design. fashion is living, changing, dynamic art; which is why it's always been my favorite medium. that and because i'm devoid of any and all artistic abilities.
ReplyDeleteabigail
www.farandwildjewelry.blogspot.com
You're so right - 'fashion' is a form of art that's almost made to be reinterpreted. That's pretty unique.
Deletehahah. too true about art not making the man . For all the shallow qualities attributed to those interested in fashion, and all of the introspective and thoughtful traits given to those who draw, paint, write, etc, etc .. it's pretty interesting that it's clothes that trump them all in terms of instant self-representation.
Is film to be viewed at arm's length, or is it to be lived? My favorite films usually leave me with what I consider to be an emotional hangover, as I come back down from my movie high. I think this affectivity is driven by my profound disappointment with this world, with this life... Are you profoundly disappointed in your wardrobe, for what it is, and for what it could be? Or perhaps on a deeper level, your ability to express yourself?
ReplyDeleteI had to read this 5 times.
DeleteWhich means it's good.
I get emotional hangovers from basically anything more stimulating than an episode or Real Housewives - (I'm pretty emotionally vulnerable) - so I empathize.
And this, Andrew, is very perceptive. I'm disappointed/dissatisfied/discontent with many aspects of my life.
Are available for hire as a therapist?
I hear you on that, even a good episode of community or parks and rec can get me going, and I'll keep coming back for the pain, or as I like to refer to it, the sensation of being alive.
DeleteAm I available for hire, no, but I've been known to take on casework pro bono for friends.
loving all the comments...and i totally agree with gaby....i think that fashion alone isn't art; the art is in someone's artistic expression of the fashion we see. how they style it. and, i think we all appreciate a person's ability to see an article of clothing as so much more than just a shirt, a skirt, a belt, etc. i'm always inspired by how people can take the same piece and make it so totally different, just by how they style it. it really shows a person's personality.
ReplyDeletegreat post. so thought provoking. i love all this metacognition stuff...
xo
n
I love your comments more.
Delete(seriously, though, these posts wouldn't be any fun unless you wrote in)
I think if you like something so bad but can't afford it - you should try MAKING it! DIY is the new buying things. You should check out: http://matterofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/ Her DIY shoe collection is insane. And: http://apairandasparediy.com/ - They're both total professionals.
ReplyDelete♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/
Never say never.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I see fashion as art... but then surely EVERYTHING is art in a way.....??
ReplyDeleteI did a series of posts on fashion that is inspired directly by art: http://la-dulcie-vita.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/artasfashion you might be interested! x