21th century fashion has often walked a fine line between fashion and art. The certainty that designers are artist is of course accepted. But what of wearer as artist? For years we have watched bemused as the lines between what is fashion and what is art have blurred. Individuals use fashion as an opportunity to express themselves, individually and artistically through fashion.
The revolving door or art’s influence over fashion - and fashion into art is most exciting displayed in
There was Gothic Ballerina Girl resplendent in black tutu, stud belt, Docs and Iron Maiden T-shirt, a Marilyn crossed with Dita Von Teese showing off what God gave her in a 50’s polka dot frock, pumps and Minnie Mouse ears, a gay male couple and their dog, the dog was wearing full leather bum-less chaps (well how else was he going to go doggy doo?) and my favourite, the Picasso painting that was, Helmut Lang paint splashed jeans, Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Can t-shirt and Astro boy backpack with a university student well hidden within.
As we see more and more fashion designers using their name for the sake of art, it is great to see Australian artists entering the fold and using their art to create fashion.
For those of us who are lovers of this higher form of fashion, Melbourne based label Lenko will host “Room Service” - The Lenko Art Show from the 16th – 26th August where the Carlton Hotel Melbourne will be transformed into an installed art environment where items from the current Lenko range will be used as a source of inspiration for 16 unique artists and designers.
I’m always on the look out for something new and innovative and this is one label that continues to surprise with its quirky design and high quality garments. For those of us always searching for the meaning of fashion this is one highly recommended range bringing together a collaboration of vibrant and interesting work that won’t cost the price of a painting.
Pioneer designer Yekaterina Peker is stepping largely outside the parameters of Australian fashion as we know it. At Melbourne Fashion week in 2006, Yekaterina won the Avant Garde category in the Debut Awards for emerging designers at Melbourne Fashion week in 2006.
This year’s collection (selection pictured) is bursting with ingenuity and originality. A fervent reminder to the industry that originality still exists – and that the labels and designers that dare to go there never disappoint.
Yekatarina Peker Picture Credits (top 3) Photographer: Kel Mitchell; Art Director: Annalisa Sgambati; Clothing: Visit www.yekaterinapeker.com.
Lenko images from www.ilovelenko.com
