Topic Choices

“No. 13”

Date: 1999

Model: Shalom Harlow

Designer: Alexander McQueen

Explanation of choice: In fashion, everything old eventually becomes new again. Not that I think originality is gone, but more so, it has become very hard to show the audience something that no one has ever done before. However, that’s exactly what Alexander McQueen did in his 1999 Spring/Summer collection. I found the ending to this show to be moving not only because of the meaning but also because of the way Shalom Harlow interacted with the machines.

Discussion of its relationship: Just like Alexander McQueen, I too have depression and I find it inspiring to see how someone with such a crippling disease can still translate such pain into something so creatively beautiful. To his credit his creative genius was consistent with the execution of consecutive shows that represented him and his undeniable style.

 

“Queen of Diamonds”

Date: 1954

Model: Carmen Dell’Orefice

Photography: Richard Avedon

Brand: Revlon

Explanation of choice: Whoever said diamonds were a girls best friend was right! Aesthetically, I love this ad but what makes it even better for me are the boundaries Revlon pushed to really get a message out and into the public. Revlon challenged outdated assumptions that any woman wearing red was vulgar and positioned her instead as a modern strong woman.

Discussion of its relationship: Looking at the art I produce, I’d like to think a lot of the topics I cover through my pieces are mostly taboo topics that push the envelope but I would like to develop them in style, which is exactly what this ad does. Not only does it catch your attention but once it does it shows you meaning and purpose too.

 

“Ballet Russes Oriental”

Date: 1913

Designer: Leon Bakst

Explanation of choice:The Ballet Russe was the TMZ of the 1920’s. Seeing the latest looks and trends that were exclusively shown at the theatre is something I wish I could have taken part in. Looking at the picture to the left it’s interesting to see how the silhouettes and patterns used decades ago are still being used today and I think that’s definitely something to look into.

Discussion of its relationship: Being able to display your work in a prestigious place such as the Ballet Russe is something every artist/designer dreams of. I am very much intrigued to learn about the history of fashion. Looking at the ensemble of clothing displayed in the picture to the left gives me an idea of what the latest trends in fashion were and the unending development of technique used to create such clothing.