When art and fashion collide, you need to make sure you have the wardrobe to match. Our Fashionista guides us through the minefield of power dressing in the art world
Some say that art imitates life. I would like to propose an alternative view and suggest that art does in fact imitate fashion. While the converse, fashion imitating art, holds equally true. It’s a harmonious relationship. The two fields crosspollinating fabulously. Artists love fashion, art is fashionable, fashion is art; oh the dovetailing is endless.
With art events now firm fixtures on any worthy fashionista’s social calendar, it’s imperative to understand what to wear where. This may sound strange but as with property, in the art world, location is everything. It’s private view versus art fair; East versus West; the UK versus the US. Sound complicated? Fear not – this little Lux column is your trusty guide to dressing artfully.
As with the fashion world, the art world also sees trends. Right now, as private views and exhibitions around the globe will testify it’s all about painting and sculpture. Video and photography take a back seat this season. If you are going to see a painting show, feel free to release your inner boho. But remember: we’re talking bohochic rather than hippy.
If you’re headed East go for high-waisted cigarette pants (all the designers did them) or jeans. They can be skinny or flared but must be the darkest indigo you can find. I like J Brand or Earnest Sewn. This is the perfect opportunity to work in this season’s most identifiable trend: ombre, or for those who need to perfect their fashion lingo, tie-dye. With colours bleeding from light to dark, seek out a Prada ombre top or a MaxMara shell top?? and wear with a softly tailored feminine blazer.
If you’re going West, you need to take another direction. The shift dress is perfect: this season we have muted tones, graphic prints and jewelled detailing. Perfect for an arty party. As far as footwear is concerned, anything goes but make sure it has a platform. For sculpture, the look is unsurprisingly more structured. Sharper tailoring, stricter shapes, darker colours and a nod to the avant-garde are all appropriate. I look to the Belgians if I’m going to a sculptural occasion. I know that Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf and Ann Demeulemeester will have just the right mix of classic with a twist to make sure I stand out among the crowd.
There are only two art fairs you really need to be seen at: Frieze, London and Art Basel Miami. At the former you need to be as understated as possible. It’s all about effortless style and comfort. I like to go for a little bit of glam rock, which doesn’t have to be grungy. Think metallic fabric effects and tailored denim. Luella and rising start Jens Laugesen do this look best. I take a pair of Louboutin’s (that red heel is so art-friendly) in my bag and can go from daytime to evening in the blink of a fashionable eye.
Miami is the polar opposite. Collectors there spend a lot of money and they like their bank balance to be reflected in their dress. Daytime involves wearing lots of hot-candy-coloured kaftans and Lilly Pulitzer print dresses. Evening is all about discovering the Kimora Lee Simmons that lurks within. Be as bling as possible. Flash, brash, trash: the choice is yours. Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace will all do you proud. And if you have any rocks, wear them. All at once. The bigger the better. At Art Basel Miami, more is more…
ZOE MANZI is a London-based editor and fashion writer