I was weary of couture. There were artists to be sure, but the runways of Fashion Week had more and more become flooded with a lot of hype and nothing really interesting or new to say. I felt jaded and bored by the endless parade of 'shocking' silhouettes that often had nothing whatever to do with the human forms they rested upon. I just didn't believe anything could be great anymore- until I saw Alexander McQueen.
He electrified my senses with his materials, themes, artistry and overwhelming beauty. When I was lucky enough to hold some of his pieces in my hands, I was in total awe of the exacting and elegant craftsmanship that allowed the garments to take on their own life.
My heart was broken the day I found out he took his own life. I selfishly wanted him to continue to surprise, challenge and delight me (and the world) for ever and ever.
Coture is one of those endeavors and worlds I see as "non-survivors" in the rapidly arriving future. So many bizarre and harmful aspects, like the skeletal models. And I confess to being of e.e.cummings' opinion in "mr youse needn't be so spry, concernin questions arty". :-) Even a lily with wilted petals can be appreciated for what it is- I'd rather not gild.
ReplyDeleteBut- yes, this guy is arresting. I like the feather work very much
Yes, that. It is always 'the trick' to push to the edge but not guild the lily. Rarely accomplished in any art form, but always revered upon fruition.
DeleteAs for e.e.cummings advice; CORRECT!
:)
P.S.https://www.google.com/search?q=indigenous+adornment&client=firefox-a&hs=sg5&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LYOkU83_HdG9oQSZr4GwAw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ
DeleteSure. It's an ancient and broad phenomenon. But I would contend the aboriginal adornments are basically different from coture. Both are involved in expressing status- the aboriginal ornaments are very likely to be heirlooms, or to become such. Coture is designed to be thrown away and obsolete next week. Aboriginal relates to status in the tribe; coture to - money. :-)
DeleteHaute couture is the art. Prêt-à-Porter is the ready to wear, factory made, throw away stuff- but you're right, it ultimately represents status to the wearer.
DeleteMy point in the google link was to say that self adornment seems to be an inseparable element to the humans and their living experience no matter what the culture. I do agree (of course...) that in our culture this inclination has morphed into something perverse and 'disposable'. Having said that, I cannot deny that there is sometimes purity in intention even in the dark world of fashion.
Beauty is beauty no matter the medium. :)
I do love intelligent conversation. :-) Good points.
DeleteThere IS something basic here; children love to paint themselves, and make bracelets and garlands out of anything they can find. That would make an interesting set of photos...
I'm putting that idea on my 'To Do' list!
Delete:)