High Fashion

What do I know about high fashion? Almost nothing. So, I am violating the first rule of blogdom, which is to write about something you know a lot about. But, I am in sync with the stated framework for this blog a couple of times of generalizing personal experience, vicarious or otherwise. So, here goes...

High fashion that I am discussing is in the context of world-class clothing design. The kind that occurs in Paris, Milan, Rome, New York, London and other fashion centers of the world. Clothing for the rich and famous. Clothing that eventually makes its way down to actual stores, and yes, some clothing that nobody would ever wear.

For many, this topic is considered shallow, materialistic and intertwined with decadent and excessive lifestyles. Yes, yes and yes. However, there are some interesting aspects of the lifestyle, personal characteristics, and culture of this world.

First, the visual virtuosity of world-class fashion designers is remarkable. Quick attention to detail, immediate annoyance with any visual artifact that has any degree of aesthetic imperfection. This is a skill shared with all visual artists, but seems particularly focused on the practical world in the eyes of a fashion designer.

Second, the love of large public events created strictly for the purpose of a real world artistic experience. Instead of a canvas, sculpture or wall, the medium is time and space. Much time, money and effort spent on building elaborate structures that meet the highest aesthetic standards that must fit within the bounds of the overall creative vision for the event.

Third, the love of dressing beautiful women in beautiful clothes. The designer's eyes seem to view beautiful women as artistic media for draping textures, colors, materials and delightful hairstyles. Within the culture there appears to be a comfort with the human body that is beyond that of normal tolerance. Perhaps this is enhanced by the fact that all the bodies are beautiful.

Beyond all the hype, materialism, glitz and glamour, there appears to be an underlying love of the human form, especially women. When Valentino was asked, "What do women want?", his reply was "I know what women want. They want to be beautiful." I believe this comment is much more profound than the superficial interpretation we might be tempted to give it. Especially coming from a man who spent his life loving to dress beautiful women in beautiful clothing.