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Fashion designers by art. Who are they? Art and fashion have always been inextricably linked. Fashion designers throughout history have been inspired by art and have used it as a reference and guide to create their unique designs. From Madeleine Vionnet’s simple, elegant creations to Alexander McQueen’s dramatic, surreal masterpieces, many designers have drawn inspiration from art to create stunning collections. In this blog post, we will prospect the works of some of the most famous fashion designers inspired by craft, including Madeleine Vionnet, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.

• Madeleine Vionnet: The Art of Draping

Madeleine Vionnet was a fashion designer from France who revolutionized the fashion world with innovative designs and techniques. Vionnet was known for her mastery of draping, which she used to create fluid, graceful garments that were both elegant and comfortable. Her draping technique was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, which she studied extensively in her early career.

Vionnet’s signature style was the bias-cut gown she developed in the 1920s. The bias cut involves cutting fabric diagonally across the grain, which allows it to drape smoothly and hug the body’s natural curves. This technique was a departure from the popular straight, boxy cuts at the time, giving Vionnet’s designs a new level of fluidity and movement.

Vionnet was also known for using color, texture, and embellishment. She was particularly fond of using intricate pleating and folding techniques, which gave her designs a sculptural quality. Vionnet’s use of color was often inspired by nature, and she was known for using soft, muted hues that complemented the fluidity of her designs.

Despite her success, Vionnet’s career was challenging. She was forced to close her fashion house during World War II and struggled to adapt to the changing fashion landscape in the post-war years. However, her legacy lives on, and her designs inspire fashion designers today.

• Valentino and Hieronymus Bosch: Surrealism in Fashion

Valentino Garavani, commonly known as Valentino, is an Italian fashion designer who has been making waves in the fashion industry since the 1960s. One of his most iconic collections was the Valentino Fall/Winter 2016 collection, inspired by the works of the Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch.

Bosch was known for his surreal and fantastical paintings, often depicting nightmarish scenes of hell and mythical creatures. Valentino was drawn to the intricate details and rich colors in Bosch’s work, and he used these elements to create a playful and edgy collection.

The Valentino Fall/Winter 2016 collection featured various pieces inspired by Bosch’s paintings. One of the standout pieces was a long, flowing gown adorned with intricate embroidery and beading. The dress was reminiscent of Bosch’s painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” which features a similar color scheme and intricate details.

Another notable piece from the collection was a black and white tuxedo jacket embroidered with surreal images of animals and plants. The jacket was paired with matching pants, and the overall effect was bold and sophisticated.

Valentino’s use of surrealism in fashion was groundbreaking, and it paved the way for other designers to explore the boundaries between art and fashion. His collection was a true masterpiece, showcasing his talent for creating intricate, imaginative pieces that push the boundaries of fashion.

• Dolce & Gabbana and the Baroque of Peter Paul Rubens: Opulence in Fashion

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the founders of the Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, are known for their bold and opulent designs. In their Fall/Winter 2014 collection, the duo drew inspiration from the Baroque art of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.

Rubens was known for his sumptuous paintings that depicted mythological and religious scenes. His use of rich colors, dramatic lighting, and dynamic composition inspired Dolce & Gabbana to create a collection that was equally lavish and ornate.

The Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2014 collection featured pieces adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, and beading. The group also featured a bold color palette of gold, black, and red, which was a nod to the luxury of Baroque art.

One of the evident pieces from the collection was a black and gold brocade dress reminiscent of Rubens’ painting “The Judgement of Paris.” The dress was adorned with intricate gold embroidery and featured a full, voluminous skirt that gave it a regal feel.

Another notable piece from the collection was a red and gold lace dress inspired by Rubens’ painting “The Feast of Herod.” The dress was adorned with delicate lace, featuring a plunging neckline and full, billowing sleeves.

Dolce & Gabbana’s use of Baroque art in their Fall/Winter 2014 collection was a testament to their skill in creating opulent, luxurious pieces embodying the Baroque era’s spirit. The exhibition was a true masterpiece, showcasing their ability to infuse art and fashion to create a truly unique and memorable experience.

• El Greco’s Mannerism and Cristobal Balenciaga: Elegance in Fashion

Cristobal Balenciaga was a Spanish fashion designer known for his elegant and timeless designs. One of his sources of inspiration was the work of the Greek painter El Greco, a prominent figure in the Mannerist movement in the 16th century.

Mannerism was characterized by a sophisticated and refined style emphasizing elongated proportions, exaggerated poses, and complex compositions. El Greco’s paintings were a prime example of Mannerism, with his allegorical figures and dramatic lighting.

Balenciaga was drawn to El Greco’s use of line and form, which he incorporated into his designs to create elegant and modern pieces. Balenciaga’s designs were known for their simplicity and sophistication, focusing on clean lines and understated details.

One of Balenciaga’s most iconic pieces, the tunic dress, was directly inspired by the elongated forms of El Greco’s figures. The dress was simple in design, with a straight silhouette and minimal detailing, but its elongated proportions gave it a dramatic and elegant feel.

Balenciaga also incorporated El Greco’s use of color and texture into his designs. He often used rich jewel tones in his collections, a nod to El Greco’s use of color in his paintings. Balenciaga also experimented with textures, using luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet to create elegant and tactile pieces.

Balenciaga’s use of El Greco’s Mannerism in his designs was a testament to his ability to infuse art and fashion to create timeless and modern pieces. His plans were celebrated for their elegance and sophistication, and they continue to inspire fashion designers today.

• Alexander McQueen and Gustav Klimt’s Symbolism:

Alexander McQueen was a British fashion designer known for his avant-garde designs and ability to push fashion boundaries. One of his sources of inspiration was the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, a prominent figure of the Symbolist movement in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Symbolism was characterized by a focus on the subjective, the irrational, and the mystical, and Klimt’s paintings were a prime example of this movement, with their intricate patterns, stylized forms, and use of symbolism.

McQueen was drawn to Klimt’s pattern use and ability to create ornate, striking pieces. McQueen’s designs were known for their intricate detailing and ability to tell a story. He incorporated Klimt’s use of pattern and symbolism into his collections to create visually stunning and emotionally powerful pieces.

One of McQueen’s most iconic pieces, the “Golden Shower” dress from his Fall/Winter 1996 collection, was directly inspired by Klimt’s painting “The Kiss.” The dress was made from golden sequins and beads and was designed to resemble a shower of gold, which was a nod to the symbolism of Klimt’s painting.

McQueen also incorporated Klimt’s use of color into his designs, using rich jewel tones and metallics to create large, striking pieces. His use of embroidery, lace, and other embellishments was also a nod to Klimt’s intricate patterning and attention to detail.

McQueen’s use of Klimt’s Symbolism in his designs was a testament to his ability to infuse art and fashion to create visually stunning and emotionally powerful pieces. His plans were celebrated for their ability to push the boundaries of style and to tell a story through their intricate detailing and symbolism.

Conclusion

Each designer brought their unique interpretation to the art they were inspired by and incorporated their elements in various ways into their designs, from the clean lines of Balenciaga’s tunic dress to the intricate detailing of McQueen’s Golden Shower dress.

The legacy of these designers continues to influence and inspire fashion designers today as they continue to explore the intersection of art and fashion in new and innovative ways.