On a rare girl's afternoon outing a couple of years ago one of the women in our group suggested that we go see the Jean Paul Gauthier expo at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile. We all thought that it sounded like something interesting to do but were expecting to be in and out in about 30 minutes. We were amazed to find that we passed the entire afternoon at the expo. It was simply fascinating and it was especially interesting to look at these unique and beautiful pieces that Mr. Gauthier had created from a perspective of art and not just something to cover up the body.
It is becoming more and more of a trend to give a nod to designers these days from an artistic angle and not just one of style. Some of the pieces done by Jean Paul Gauthier were so detailed and imaginative that it was almost a shame to simply call them "clothing." This idea has been picked up by a number of top museums and there are now more and more permanent and temporary collections dedicated to the art of fashion.
At the Victoria and Albert Museum in London an extremely impressive collection of clothing dates the history of fashion. The pieces are beautifully displayed and interestingly explained. I was completely fascinated the first time I saw the collection and each time I have the chance to see it again I find something new and beautiful that I had missed the time before.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art expanded their Costume and Textile Collection a couple of year's ago and the result was a smashing success. Not only was their opening party star studded and donation packed but the collection itself received rave reviews.
These collections are just a few examples of many to be found through out the world and I love them because they are making us stand back and look at fashion and style in a new light. It makes us realize that we can actually become a canvas for an artist (the designer) to show his or her most beautiful creations. But we do not have to be a blank canvas that fades away into the background from the beauty of the art she is wearing, Au contraire. After all it was the grand dame of fashion herself, Ms. Coco Chanel who said "it is not the dress that makes the woman but the woman who makes the dress."
To your Fabulously Spirited Style,
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
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