Tag Archives: wearable art

Sculptural Couture

 

 

Christian-Dior,-1947

Classic Christian Dior – 1947

 

Convergence of fashion and sculpture 

Most famous fashion designers interact with art and reflect trends through their designs. The modernist curved art forms and abstract lines of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s could be clearly recognized in the avant-garde and Space Age designs of Pierre Cardin, as witnessed in his trapeze coats, bubble dresses, hat-sculptures and asymmetrical collars. Designers of this era adapted minimalist art forms with sleek, definitive lines to express striking chic styles which were aptly supported by the refined aesthetic of the models and photographers at that time. Elegant fluid silhouettes were prevalent, supported by higher heels, long gloves, hats with sweeping curved brims and form clinging waists. Cardin collaborated with the design of Christian Dior’s “New Look,” a style intended to enhance the feminine in women’s clothing, particularly after women had adopted traditional masculine roles during World War II. When Christian Dior unveiled his début haute couture collection in Paris on 12 February 1947, it heralded the demise of the austere, masculine styles, and ushered in a triumphant return to femininity.

Cardin, who had studied architecture, also used bold geometric shapes and motifs in his designs that sometimes overshadowed the female form. However, despite the form not being as overtly expressed, it had the effect of enhancing the feminine mystique. He was the first to display a designer’s logo on his garments in the 60‘s and he expanded his repertoire into new design markets such as home decor which was regarded as heresy by some other Paris fashion designers. He acquired a contemporary bubble home in Côte d’Azur, to reflect his fashion designs.
Christian Dior ran an art gallery where he sold the works of Picasso and other famous artists, before he began fashion in 1937 with his mentor Robert Piguet. He valued this association for learning “ the values of simplicity through which true elegance must come.” He later mixed with artists like Dali, Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, Picasso, Otto Dix, Albert Giacometti, Raoul Duffy , Joan Miro, Jean Cocteau and designer Rene Gruau who all were an influence on his styles. Similarly, designers like Balenciaga, Jacques Fath, Givenchy and Lanvin all went in a similar direction with their chic style.
The modernist, contemporary forms continued to inspire fashion into the 60‘s and 70’s where it became more minimalist, while the photography became more free, spontaneous and less formal. The images here reflect that association between art and fashion during that unique era of timeless elegance and some current designers like Philip Treacy and Serge Lutens, who also integrate modernist elements into their fashion with other original contemporary statements. An exploration of texture, line and form presented in fabrics, threads and design brilliance.

 

 

Model wearing a Bar-Suit-(1947)-–-Christian-Diorphoto art/photography/black-white-photography/patrick-demarchelier-

The 1947 “New Look” Bar Suit – Christian Dior

Photo – Patrick Demarchelier

Staley.Wise Gallery

 

 

 

d54b44d3b6d3318807266d017fb8376a

 Jacques Fath outfit – Vogue 1951 Vintage elegance

Photographer Willy Maywald,

 

 

Helmut Newton photograph

Photo Helmut Newton

 

 

 

60s,-lanvin futuristic fashion

Lanvin 60’s Space Age outfit

 

 

 

1952.-Photo-Richard-Rutledge Jaques Fath design

 Jacques Fath design 1952, model Bettina

Photo- Richard Rutledge

 

 

1952-Lucky-in-hat-inspired-by-those-worn-by-Spanish-Civil-Guard,-is-made-of-white-gros-grain-and-ties-in-the-back-by-Albouy,-photo-by-Georges-Saad

Albouy designed hat – inspired by the Spanish Civil Guard

Photo – Georges Saad – 1952

 

 

1956 dovima_is_devine_II on Flickr

1956 sleek silhouette

dovima is devine II on Flickr

 

 

1957-Barbara-Cailleux-in-slim-embroidered-linen-dress-belted-in-same-fabric-belt,-worn-with-short-buttonless-jacket,-by-Pierre-Balmain,-photo-by-Georges-Saad

Pierre Balmain – 1957

 

 

Photo Philippe Pottier 1957 Manguin outfit

Manguin wool suit

Photo Philippe Pottier 1957

 

 

step-out-in-scarlet-starfish-spikes---Yegor-Zaitsev-Autumn-Winter-2010-2011

Scarlet starfish spikes—Yegor Zaitsev – Autumn/Winter

2010-2011

 

 

 

Ava-Gardner 50's

Ava Gardner – 1954

 

 

 

Fiona-Campbell-Walter-in-foliage-print-satin-sheath-with-black-taffeta-cummerbund-and-black-taffeta-fringed-stole-by-Jacques-Fath--Paris-Vogue--May-1952--

Fiona Campbell Walter in an outfit by Jacques Fath

Paris Vogue  1952

 

 

Ralph Lauren black and white striped hat

 Ralph Lauren, 2008

Photo Nathan Copan

 

 

Balenciaga-in-Harper's-Bazaar,-March-1968 minimalist outfits

Balenciaga – Harper’s Bazaar

1968

 

 

Bettina-at-the-Miro-Show,-for-ELLE,-Summer-Collection-Jacques-Fath,-Paris

 Model Bettina Graziani wearing Jacques Fath dress

50’s Paris Joan Miro Show – photo Georges Dambier

 

 Jacques Fath Paris

Jacques Fath outfit

 

Cappello-Hoeden-Speciaalzaak modernist hat

Cappello Hoeden Speciaalzaak

Cappello.nl

 

China Machado, Harper's Bazaar February 1959

Model China Machado, Harper’s Bazaar February 1959

 Photo Richard Avedon

 

 

Pink oriental outfit Christian Dior - Couture Spring 2007

Christian Dior – Couture Spring 2007

 

 

Constantin-Brancusi---Lizica-Codreanu-studies-in-costumes-designed-by-Brancusi,-Paris,-1924

Lizica Codreanu modelling futuristic fashion design by Constantin Brancusi

1924

 

 

Red-coat-and-beret-by-Pierre-Balmain,-1961

 Pierre Balmain, 1961

 

 

 

Pierre Cardin 1968 'Mod' look

Pierre Cardin – 1968

 

 

Fashion-and-art-for-L’Officiel,-1956

L’Officiel magazine, 1956

 

 

Serge-Lutens-1942---French-Fashion-

Serge Lutens

 

 

Gabriela-Ligenza-launches-3D-printed-hats-for-Ascot-_dezeen_3Photography-is-by-Josh-Shinner

Gabriela Ligenza 3D printed hat

Photo – Josh Shinner

 

 

Harpers Bazaar-1964-photo-Jeanloup Sieff

 Maggie Eckhardt – Harpers Bazaar-1964

Photo – Jeanloup Sieff

 

 

Christian Dior, Haute Couture 2008, photo by Patrick Demarchelier

Christian Dior,  2008,

Photo by Patrick Demarchelier

 

 

 

harper-bazaar-1964-photo-jeanloup-sieff

Harper’s Bazaar – 1964

Photo-Jeanloup Sieff

 

 

Hat-by-Bill-Cunningham

 NY milliner and street photographer Bill Cunningham

“The hat thing was really, as I say, it was like sculpture,” he said. “It’s the most wonderful, freeing, relaxing experience. I had a lot of fun, even if I didn’t make money. But I did pay my bills.”

 

 

Hats From Russia Fashion Week-Fall-2013-PicturesGetty

Hat From Russian Fashion Week – 2013

Getty Images

 

 

Horst P Horst,-1943

Horst P Horst – 1949

 

 

Jacky-Mazel-is-wearing-tweed-suit-with-short-cape-instead-of-jacket-by-Lanvin-Castillo,1956-'from-Sophia-Book'-Photo-Philippe-Pottier

Model Jacky Mazel wearing a tweed-suit–by Lanvin Castillo,1956

Photo – Philippe Pottier

 

 

 

Model Jean-Patchett-photographed-by-Irving-Penn,-New-York-1949

Jean Patchett photographed by Irving Penn

New York-1949

 

 

Katherine-Pastrie-in-wool-dress-and-fox-trimmed-bolero-by-Pierre-Cardin--photo-by-Pottier--1962-

Katherine Pastrie in wool dress by Pierre Cardin

photo by Philippe Pottier–1962

 

 

Lily-Dache large curvy black hat

 Lilly Dache hat

In 1939 Westingtonhouse created one of the first time capsules for the New York World Fair which had a futuristic theme.. Included was a woman’s hat designed by Lilly Dache. The capsule is meant to be unearthed in the year 6939.

 

 

miadelarue-blogspot-com 50's chic

50’s chic

miadelarue.blogspot.com

 

 

Model-in-white-wool-suit-with-black-wool-blouse-by-Capucci--photo-by-Georges-Saad--1961--

Capucci outfit

Photo by Georges Saad –1961

 

 

Natalia Vodianova by Steven Meisel

Retro shoot – Natalia Vodianova by Steven Meisel for Vogue US  2009.

 

 

Paper Couture by Alexandra Zaharova & Ilya Plotnikov

Paper Couture by Alexandra Zaharova & Ilya Plotnikov

 

 

Paquin polka dot outfit L'Officiel magazine 1956.

Paquin outfit – L’Officiel magazine  1956.

 

 

Philip-Treacy hat

Philip Treacy hat

 

 

Photo-Patrick-Demarchelier-dior-book-2011-model-Dior-1954-Harper

1954 Christian Dior from the book Dior Couture by Patrick Demarchelier

 

 

Pierre Cardin - 1959 - Shelt dress

Pierre Cardin – 1959

 

 

 

Philip_Treacy salmon pink flamboyant hat

 Philip Treacy – Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2001/2002 collections shows  in Paris France.

 

 

 

Pierre-Cardin,-60s

Pierre Cardin 60’s

 

 

 

 

Serge-Lutens photograph 1980's

Serge Lutens

 

 

Thierry-Mugler,-circa-1990’s-Model-Georgina-Grenville

 Model Georgina Grenville in a Thierry Mugler mask hat

 

 

 

Model-in-wonderful-blue-and-brown-tweed-suit-with-matching-tweed-hat--by-Pierre-Balmain--photo-by-Georges-Saad--1962---Flickr---Photo-Sharing-

Model in tweed suit with matching tweed hat by Pierre Balmain photo by Georges Saad

1962

 

 

 

Philip-Treacy-avant-garde-Hat

Hat by Irish Milliner Philip Treacy

 

 

1970's--Issey-Miyake dress

Issey Miyake

 

 

Philip Treacy hat

Philip treacy

 

 

Dorian Leigh- in a dress by Jacques Fath--photographed by Georges Dambier-for--Nouveau-Femina----March--1954-o

Dorian Leigh- dressed in a Jacques Fath outfit

Photographed by Georges Dambier for Nouveau Femina magazine, 1954

 

 

 

serge-lutens-1942-french-fashion-parfume-photography-artist

Serge Lutens , 1942

 

 

 

CoCo-is-Haute - Christian Dior rich red ruffled gown

Christian Dior Spring 2007 haute couture by Galliano

 

 

 

 

Qui Hao outfit, photo by French photographer Matthieu Belin.

Serpens collection lookbook is the product of the collaboration between the Chinese fashion designer Qui Hao and the Shanghai based, French photographer Matthieu Belin.

 

 

 

Philip Treacy abstract style hat

Philip Treacy, UK

 

 

Pierre Cardin-white hoop-dress

 Beijing Fashion Week – design by Pierre Cardin

 

 

 

Philip Treacy avant garde hat

Sculptural hat – Phillip Treacy

 

 

Serge Lutens styled for Shideido

 Shiseido – photo and styling Serge Lutens

 

 

 

 vlisco-netherlands-fashion flair

Visco, NL

2011

 

 

 

efi davies - kate forbes Photo by Danilo Giuliani, 2010.

Stylist – Efi Davies & Costume – Kate Forbes

Photo – Danilo Giuliani, 2010.

 

 

 

 

Exhibition---Alexander-McQueen---Savage-Beauty

Exhibition—Alexander McQueen—Savage Beauty

 

 

 

Gallery of Catherine O’Leary Designs-–-Textile-Art-and-Fashion-in-Melbourne

Outfit design – Catherine O’Leary

 

 

 

LISA-SHAHNO---THE-ITERATION-II modern kimino

The Iteration II – Lisa Shahno

 

 

 

Norman-Parkinson-Zulu-War-Dance,-British-Vogue,-1951

 British Vogue, Zulu warriors – 1951

Photo Norman Parkinson

 

 

Serkan-Cura-Haute-Couture-2014

Serkan Cura Haute Couture

2014

photo – Shoji Fujii

 

 

 

 

More fashion with a chic jazz groove –

 ‘So Yesterday’ by the Mark Fitzgibbon Quartet – Amazon link

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunny-Harnett-in-high-fashion,-1951

Sunny Harnett, 1951

photo – Norman Parkinson, UK

 

 

3 mid century models Harper’s Bazaar; Photography by: Richard Avedon

Harper’s Bazaar; Photography by Richard Avedon

1949

 

dana-and-stephane-maitec-fashion photography-model on stairs high contrast lighting

Dana and Stephane Maitec photography

 

 

hyuna-shin photography sixties style black and white abstract

 Hyuna Shin photography

 

 

 

lilli-ann-1955---dorian-leigh

Dorian Leigh in a Lilli Ann outfit

1955

 

 

Lady Gaga-in-Alexander McQueen gown

Lady Gaga wearing a gown designed by Alexander McQueen

 

 

 

Milan Borovička, From Woman series, 1979

Milan Borovička photo from the Women series

1979

 

 

Mongolian-Princess in traditional costume

Mongolian Princess in full regalia

 

 

 

Sculptural-3D-Fashion---three-dimensional-dress-form-with-shape-and-texture;-wearable-art-Elin-Johansson

designer Elin Johansson

 

 

 

Horst_photo and Yasmin-in-a-Chanel-Evening-Dress,-British-VOGUE,-London,-1986

Yasmin in a Chanel Evening Dress, photo by Horst B Horst

British VOGUE, London, 1986

 

 

Sculptural-Knitwear---sculpted-knit-design-with-mixed-3D-textures;-volume-fashion-Hege-Midtun-Larsen

Sculptural knitwear from Hege Midtun Larsen

 

 

 

French Dior-Haute-Couture

Christian Dior Haute Couture 2000 Spring Summer

 

 

 

Hooded outfit by designer-Qiu-Hao

Serpens. autumn winter 2001 fashion collection by Chinese fashion designer Qiu Hao

 

 

 

 

Medieval-Mongol-Tatar Nomadic Fashion Show 2015

Medieval Tatar – Nomadic Fashion Show

Mongolia

 

 

Alexander- Mcqueen-Paris Fashion Week

Alexander McQueen: Paris Fashion Week Ready-to-Wear A/W 09 by Pascal Le Segretain on Getty Images

 

 

yojiro kake sculptural fashion

Yojiro Kake

 

 

 

Georgio-Armani---Adama-Diallo--French-model--born-in-1991--for-Grazia-France-17th-October-2014-http---t

Giorgio Armani dress –model Adama Diallo

 

 

 

Gilbert-Adrian-costume,-The-Great-Ziegfeld,-1936

Gilbert Adrian costume with phoenix headpiece

USA 1936

 

model-eva-strangelove and photographer-alessandro-saponi Brutalist sculptural costume

Model Eva Strangelove by photographer Alessandro Saponi

 

adele-simpson-gold-dress-harpers-bazaar-magazine-1947

Adele Simpson gold dress

Harpers Bazaar -1947

 

 

 

burjumantejal-patni

Photo Tejal Patna,  Art direction Mohanad Shuraideh for Burjuman

 

 

Ocopussi-Headpiece - Renata Litvinova in a photo shoot for the magazine SOBAKA.RU

Octopus inspired theme with Renata Litvinova in a photo shoot for the magazine SOBAKA.RU

 

 

 

Sculptural-Fashion---wearable-art-with-segmented-3D-structure;-experimental-fashion-design;-creative-surfaces

Black art couture

Photo – Henrique Gendre

 

 

Model wearing a large black head piece and gownVogue-China-September-2014

 

Vogue China September 2014

 

 

 

Green swirl-couture by Amato - green mermaid style

Amato haute couture – spiral turquoise mermaid

 

 

 

jacques-fath-1950-National-Museum-Kraknow classic vintage

Jacques Fath

 Photo by Willy Maywald.

1951 – National Museum Krakow

 

 

The-Synthetic-Oceans-of-Alba-Prat---Yatzer

‘Syntheitc Oceans’  Wetsuit couture by Alba Prat –  Spanish Fashion Designer from Barcelona

photo © fotoDiMatti

yatzer.com

 

 

Christian Dior Haute Couture | F/W 2010

John Galliano for Christian Dior Fall/Winter Haute Couture

2010

 

 

 

We-must-never-confuse-elegance-with-snobbery - Yves Saint Laurent sketching designs on a blackboard

‘We must never confuse elegance with snobbery’ – Yves Saint Laurent

 

 

 

Vlisco_fashion fabrics

Geometric outfits by Viscoe

 

 

 

The-Tarot-Reader----Jean-Patchett-and-Bridget-Tichenor---photo-by-Irving-Penn--New-York--1949

‘The Tarot Reader’ Jean Patchett and Bridget Tichenor, photo by Irving Penn

New York 1949

 

 

Model-in-black-and-white-tweed-dress-with-half-overskirt-by-Staebe-Seger--photo-by-Hilla-Korn--Germany--1960

Model in black and white tweed dress with half overskirt by Staebe Seger  photo by Hilla Korn

Germany  1960

 

 

 

Theo-Graham-in-Dior-s-evening-gown-called--Junon---l--and-Dorian-Leigh-in-gown-called--Venus---photo-by-Richard-Avedon-at-Le-Pré-Catalan--Paris-August-1949

Theo Graham in Dior’ s evening gown called Junon l and Dorian Leigh in a gown called Venus

photo by Richard Avedon at Le Pré Catalan

Paris, 1949

 

troyt-coburn-designer-kate-forbes-efi

Warrior costume design – Kate Forbes

Photography – Troyt Coburn – kateforbes.com

 

 

Collaboration with sonia-biacchi-and-elise-cowin Red sculptural dress

Sonia Biacchi and Elise Cowin collaboration

 

 

 

sonia-biacchi designed costume

Sonia Biacchi

 

 

Jasmine Sanders in H&M attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's-Costume Institute benefit

Jasmine Sanders in H&M attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit, 2018

photo AP

 

 

Jolande photo-by-Gian Paolo Barbieri

Jolande photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

 

 

 

 

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