The worlds of art and fashion have always intersected. The most intricate couture pieces, painstakingly assembled, each detail carefully made by hand, are undeniably fine art. Think of Alexander McQueen’s feathers, roses, antlers, and most obviously, his SS99 show in which supermodel Shalom Harlow’s dress was spray painted. McQueen’s work was celebrated in 2015’s Savage Beauty, a huge retrospective of his designs at the Victoria & Albert Museum, where in an exhibition context, they felt even more art-like.
Indeed, the V&A has hosted a number of fashion exhibitions in that space: in the same year, Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, in 2014 we saw Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 and The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, while 2013 hosted Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s. This year, the couture dresses of royals past are on show at Chatsworth House, and we’re giddy with anticipation for Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, opening at the V&A in May. Fashion feels at home in art spaces, and is in turn inspired by art.
Mondrian’s colourful squares and graphic lines were influential in the 1960s (YSL even designed a knitted dress with his recognisable style), and in 2012 Louis Vuitton collaborated with Japanese painter Yayoi Kusama. Over the past few seasons there’s been a rise in painterly strokes, too – vivid landscapes and Jackson Pollock-style paint-splattered jackets were seen at Gucci AW16, while watercolours evocative of Monet were shown at Prada AW17.
While we may not be able to afford an art collection, or even the couture inspired by it, we can tap into the best of the art-inspired pieces around. Click through to be inspired...
This collaboration between Commes and Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck is reminiscent of Robert Rauschenberg's collages, in which he layered newspaper clippings, paint, and photographs. We'll add this to our collection of long-sleeved T-shirts with graphic sleeves then...
Comme des Garçons x Walter Van Beirendonck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, £215, available at Dover Street Market.
Barcelona-based photography and clothing project Paloma Wool collaborated with artist Carla Fuentes for this line of gorgeous linen pieces. These trousers were made for wandering warm city streets in summer.
Paloma Wool Toblerone Trousers, £93, available at Paloma Wool.
This robe is every inch an homage to Matisse's cutouts. Graphic, colourful and surreal shapes bring this silky cover-up to life, and we personally think it's worn better as a light jacket in spring than a breakfast robe.
Love Stories Kate Robe, £114.69, available at Love Stories.
Frida Kahlo is a constant source of inspiration, from her natural brows and colourful attire to her unwavering defiance and beautiful self portraits. Show some appreciation with this cute clutch.
&Other Stories Decorated Clutch, £40, available at &Other Stories.
Flowers are maybe the most painted subject in the history of art, with everyone from Monet and Georgia O'Keeffe to William Morris and Van Gogh serving their interpretation. This Victorian wallpaper-style print is the dress to see you through spring.
Mango Floral Wrap Dress, £59.99, available at Mango.
These off-kilter beauties are like a Joan Miró mobile, all connecting shapes and lines. Wear alone or together and tie hair back so they steal the show.
Mango Mixed Asymmetric Earrings, £9.99, available at Mango.
Paint was seen everywhere at Resort 17, from Acne's splattered overalls to Marc Jacob's neon-sprayed bomber jacket. You could actually make this one at home with a vintage leather jacket and some acrylic paint, layering the colour for maximum impact.
ASOS Hand Painted Biker Jacket, £200, available at ASOS
The classic tote gets an update with this Rothko-esque number. Perfect for city-slicking summers or long days at the beach.
Whistles Pico Stripe Straw Shopper, £79, available at Whistles.
The out-of-space hand-painted illustration takes the humble ankle boot to intergalactic heights.
Valentino Printed Suede Ankle Boots, £1,165, available at Net-A-Porter.
This lovely pair is very Van Gogh's Sunflowers – just in time for spring. Wear with a gingham dress and sandals for a French countryside vibe.
Mango Floral Earrings, £12.99, available at Mango.
These tiny faces are akin to the ones Matisse drew. This shirt is perfect for minimalists afraid of print, but looking to experiment a little.
Monki Long Blouse, £30, available at Monki.
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