In the field of fashion there are recognized ongoing timeless names that represent the very highest form of style. These are designers that recognize the transformative power of art and fashion. They have a sense of style that leaves the rest of us wondering how we can have just a tiny part of what comes easily to them.
Daphne Guinness. Muse heiress, and all around renaissance woman is a rule breaker we love. Daphne Guinness personifies the marriage of art and fashion. She marches to the beat of her own drum. We should march to the beat of our own drum too. Daphne’s clothing is her art; I met her at the Metropolitan museum of art some years ago. This was while she hosted a cocktail party for the Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibition.
When asked about the common ground between art and fashion- during a recent Stella McCartney fashion show ,Jeff Koons ‘ response was transformative. It is no wonder since in 2006 Stella McCartney debuted Chrome Bunny bracelets and print dresses inspired by pop art. From none other than the pop art bad boy himself Jeff Koons.
Here are some other art collaborations of note as well.
Elsa Schiaparelli and salvador Dali : The two collaborated on several dresses throughout her career, including the famous 1937″ Lobster Dress”. A simple white evening dress with a large drawing of a lobster, by Dali on the skirt.
Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton : In 2002 artist Takashi Murakami’s ground breaking collaboration with Louis Vuitton not only created playful colored handbags, but opened the floodgates to a multitude of creative partnerships between Murakami and Vuitton.
Gap and various fine artists : In 2002 Gap introduced a line of artist edition tees designed by talents such as Jeff Koons, Kenny Scharf, Barbara Kruger, Chuck Close, and Kiki Smith.
Zaha Hadid and Chanel: In 2008 architect Zaha Hadid designed a mobile museum to house a traveling exhibition of art pieces inspired by the classic quilted Chanel handbag. I was fortunate enough to be invited by Chanel for the opening in Central Park here in New York.
Azarro and Kuntzel + Deygas : In 2009 Azarro, guided by Vanessa Seward, worked with french artist on a limited edition consisting of two scarves, denim trench coats and bags, and a bottle of Azzaro Couture perfume with images of their characters “The Doll and the Bear”.
Anya Hindmarch and Ben Eine : In 2010 Anya Hindmarch collaborated on a line of totes with images by London street artist Ben Eine.
And who can forget Stephen Sprouse the late graffiti artist collaboration with Louis Vuitton . An example of which is this carry all bag from the house. Here one can appreciate both the familiar Louis Vuitton pattern and the graffiti juxtaposed on the bag.
