subscribeI usually like to keep my art and fashion in separate silos. Seeing each product in context can make all the difference. Crossover rarely is of interest, appropriation that mimics style and lacks insight. Recently I have seen two spreads that make the handshake between fashion and art palatable, maybe even tasty.
Egon Schiele was a truly tragic, memorable artist whose works penetrate the retina with as much passion as they penetrate the psyche. In this spring’s NYTimes’ Men’s Fashion Season Premier 2009, photographer Eric Nehr offers up a fashion editorial based on Scheile’s work that is eye catching. The posturing is perfectly reminiscent, the gaze of the eyes disenfranchised, the makeup and brushed in background painterly. But after sitting with these images what I began to take away was their sense of emergence. Gone are the heavy outlines, somber colorings and erotic confrontations. Instead soft pastel colors gently and delicately define the figures and urge them, along with the charming sartorial display, to materialize.
Like insects hatching these models transpire as springtime heralds.
The next image, also produced by NYTimes, was extracted from the spread titled “The New Collections”, photography by Maciek Kobbielski, fashion editor Anne Christensen. A plug for the print media is now in order. This ran as a full page in the Times Magazine February 15, 2009 and there are details that may not be adequately supported by a web presence. On initial examination, one is overwhelmed by reflection and refraction. The house of mirrors tells the story of a community shattered by flood and neglect. Meanwhile our model is all a glitter like some roaring twenties disco ball, she literally sports stars in her eyes! But what most piques my interest is the presence of the photographer himself. Like Jan Van Eyck’s Bride of Arnofini we have to excavate his presence. Follow the flash produced constellation.
And what is most delightful is the fashion lampoon. His worn dungarees and serious work boots are the perfect foil for our night clubbing girlfriend dressed in crystal overalls, white rimmed goggles and tufted shoes, all by Proenza Schouler. Did she stay out all night or just take a wrong turn?
