Is Fashion Art or Usability? The Milan Fashion Week
Many opinions differ as of whether fashion is more of a design generated by art or a fashion more directed toward the usability of clothing to the consumer. Through the element of style, I feel that both art and usability are elements that designers use in formatting and designing their line of clothing. An artist sees things with lines, curves, designs on planes, and contrasting, as well as complimentary colors. They express their creative ability of combining and elaborating with these elements as they create the quality of their work and also maintain the thoughts of how usable the design will be for the consumer. These ideas were both clearly and excitably revealed during the Milan Fashion Week. The fashions were definitely presented as unique by their designers. The various designs consisted of the minis to the jumpsuits, high-heeled shoes, and the new plus sizes for the larger women. Flowing fabrics, some more sheer than others, and bright, bold designs from geometric shapes to bows were seen. Robert Covalle, Versace, and Gucci all introduced designs that have shortened their length. Although short in cut, there was seen the “ruffled, boxy, belted mini” showing the short cut may be back. It may be a sign of encouragement depicted by the designers as Carola Long states, “High hemlines are supposed to go hand in hand with prosperity, so maybe these designers have some kind of crystal ball that everyone else would like a look into.” From the renewal of the mini, the direction also took to the jumpsuit. It no longer was plain, but now has taken a more glamorous look from beaded by Armani to tropical print by Matthew Williamson. The plus size from Elena Miro was revealed as this year’s new edition. There was a garden theme incorporated with fabric of floral prints. This to me is very artistically driven when using forget-me-nots and peony. These designs truly show the designers artistic flair when they can be worn fashionably by a larger woman with style and pizzazz. Fashion is an art. It allows a designer to create and express himself for others to see just as in home decorating, painting, sculpting, and dancing. With this form of creativity, a designer can design clothing that fits individuals with different styles and keeps up with the changes in our world. More today, the designer is also considering the usability of the designs he creates. The economic times has directed his considerations and it is wonderful that now clothing today is more usable for many occasions and events.Works Cited: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2008/09/21/efmiro121.xml http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/fashionably-early-milan-fashion-week-944757.html