
Inside fashion's obsession with art: The designers and artists blurring creative boundaries
For its autumn/winter 2025 presentation in Paris, Spanish house Loewe eschewed a traditional runway show for a static display – a tableau of ready-to-wear looks, accessories and bags, created in part with the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in the US. Josef and Anni Albers, pioneers of 20th century art – he as a Bauhaus Movement figure, she as a textile artist – infused their bold colouring and geometric patterning into the collection. Josef's Homage to the Square series appeared as colour-blocked accents across Flamenco clutches, Puzzle bags, and Amazona totes, while Anni's textured weaves lent depth to overcoats and pom-pom-embroidered bags. The format was unexpected, but characteristic of creative director Jonathan Anderson, who departed Loewe shortly afterward. Anderson is known for threading high-art concepts through mainstream fashion and his avant-garde interpretations reliably generate social media buzz. Closer to home, a drive down Sheikh Zayed Road reveals billboards of Zendaya clutching Louis Vuitton's latest bags, co-created with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. This is the second time the brand has partnered with the artist – the first was in 2002, when Murakami reimagined Vuitton's monogram in 32 vibrant hues – an instant hit that remains a cultural touchstone to this day. Fashion and art have long been intertwined. From the sculpted drapery of Ancient Greek statues, such as The Winged Victory of Samothrace (circa 190 BCE, now at the Louvre), to the regal portraits of European monarchs, attire has served as both artistic medium and political statement. A 1588 portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, for instance, showcases her opulent pearl-and gold-strewn gown while a window behind her depicts England's defeat of the Spanish Armada, an unmistakable symbol of dominance. In December 2018, Dolce & Gabbana channelled the Milanese Renaissance for its Alta Moda collection, incorporating Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne (circa 1520) and Giorgione's Judith (1504) into lavishly hand-stitched gowns. The intersection of fashion and art has often been strategic. In 2017, American artist Jeff Koons collaborated with Louis Vuitton, not incorporating his own works, but repurposing masterpieces, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, plus works by Fragonard, Rubens and Gauguin onto Neverfull, Speedy and Keepall bags, transforming priceless art into luxury accessories. Similarly, in spring/summer 1991, Gianni Versace revived Andy Warhol's portraits of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean in a pop-art-meets-fashion moment. Decades later, London's Saatchi Gallery houses Versace Paintings, which reference Versace's famous Medusa head motif, illustrating how fashion can inspire fine art in return. Christian Dior's link to the art world dates back to its 1947 founding – Monsieur Dior was a gallerist before becoming a designer, championing the likes of Picasso, Dali, Miro, Man Ray and Max Ernst. This legacy has been a launchpad for Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior's current creative director, who consistently shines a light on female artists, from Tomaso Binga (autumn/winter 2019) to Judy Chicago (What If Women Ruled the World, haute couture spring/summer 2020) and Surrealist painter Leonor Fini (spring 2018 haute couture). Chiuri also engages with feminist discourse, citing historian Linda Nochlin's Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? (1971) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists, the latter emblazoned on a T-shirt that opened her Dior show. Dior's ongoing Lady Dior Art project invites artists – Gilbert & George, Judy Chicago, Qatari artist Bouthayna Al Muftah, and Marc Quinn – to reinterpret the maison's iconic handbag. Meanwhile, Gucci has taken an artistic route by replacing traditional campaigns with digitally painted visuals by Spanish artist Ignasi Monreal and large-scale murals by Alex Merry in Tokyo and New York, where dreamlike compositions feature Gucci furniture and tea sets alongside monkeys and mythical creatures. Such collaborations have historical precedence. In the 1930s, Elsa Schiaparelli enlisted her friend Salvador Dali to paint a giant lobster on to a gown, which was donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1969. Prada has maintained a firm grip on the art world since opening Fondazione Prada in 1993, followed by its touring Prada Mode programme, which brought exhibitions by Damien Hirst to Dubai in 2022 and Theaster Gates to Abu Dhabi in 2025. Miu Miu, Prada's sister label, fosters artistic dialogue through short films by female directors worldwide. In the UAE, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi merges art and fashion through Qasimi, the brand founded by her late twin brother, Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi. As president of Sharjah Art Foundation, she enlists artists to shape collections. For autumn/winter 2025, Maori artist Emily Karaka contributed bold, indigenous motifs, while previous seasons featured the painted-slash-sketched work of American artist Kambui Olujimi. At Louis Vuitton, the late Virgil Abloh blurred the lines between fashion, art and architecture, producing kite-shaped jackets and airplane-shaped bags that fuelled viral moments. While reducing such craftsmanship to social media currency may seem reductive, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have changed how we engage with fashion and art – shifting from private appreciation to mass consumption. The craving for experiential, shareable culture may seem superficial, but if it broadens access to high art and design, it might just be the perfect antidote to our digital age.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Harpers Bazaar Arabia
a day ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Meet The New Look Milanese Home Of Louis Vuitton
The reopening of Louis Vuitton's iconic Milan store unveils a new cultural destination, bringing with it high- level gastronomy and an entire floor dedicated to its Home Collections From Fashion Week to Teatro alla Scala and the cobbled streets that lead to Via Montenapoleone and the Duomo, Milan is always a good idea. But with the reopening of Louis Vuitton's historic Via Montenapoleone 2 destination, a summer escape is even more alluring. Following three years of restoration work on Palazzo Taverna, including the store that has undergone something of an architectural revolution, the location has become a cornerstone of culture, design and gastronomy. The renovations pay tribute to the city of Milan, Milanese tradition and the architecture of Lombardy, with each detail expressing the decades-old ties between Louis Vuitton and Italy. The architectural work was undertaken by the legendary Peter Marino, who has nearly doubled the floor area. Elegance resides in the details and in the materials used: all the carpentry was done locally, while the stone – of which there are 15 different varieties – was cut in workshops in Lombardy. Contemporary art is everywhere, from the central atrium to the staircase, and furniture comprises Italianate pieces each an emblem of modern design. Beyond the aesthetics, the Louis Vuitton Home Collections has a dedicated space on the second floor, featuring its five lines, including the new Signature Collection, just launched at Milan Design Week. But, perhaps the biggest draw of all is the gastronomy. The space welcomes Da Vittorio Café Louis Vuitton, designed as a beautiful jardin d'hiver, which opens alongside DaV by Da Vittorio Louis Vuitton – the first restaurant concept in Italy for the Maison. Serving only Italian dishes, from antipasti to osso bucco, the Louis Vuitton Monogram present across many dishes assures that you've come to the right place.


Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Spain gears up for year-long celebration of surrealist Joan Miro
8 June 2025 10:51 BARCELONA (AFP)The torchbearers for one of Spain's most famous artists, Joan Miro, are promising a year-long fiesta of events honouring the surrealist, and the foundation he set up half a century who died in 1983 aged 90, was a giant of the surrealist movement, known for his playful, abstract paintings with bright geometric forms and doodle-like calligraphic Joan Miro Foundation, which he established in a purpose-built modernist structure on top of a hill in Barcelona in 1975, now houses a vast collection of his canvases, sculptures and other institution is planning a year-long series of events to mark the half-century, ranging from exhibitions and concerts to a sunrise visit to its hilltop building."In these 50 years, we've gone from being an artist's dream to becoming a cultural reference point in Barcelona and around the world," said foundation director Marko foundation traces its roots back to the early 1970s, when Miro -- then living in the nearby island of Mallorca -- sought to reconnect with his native city by creating a centre for contemporary art Josep Lluis Sert, a close friend, designed the distinctive white-concrete building on Montjuic hill, overlooking Barcelona. The foundation opened quietly on June 10, 1975 at Miro's request to avoid an official celebrations of Miro kick off on Wednesday with the opening of an exhibition of photos, press clippings, and architectural plans which trace the institution's evolution over the foundation will open its doors on Sunday at sunrise to allow visitors to experience the building bathed in the light of of the highlights of the anniversary will be the opening in October of 'Miro and the United States', an exhibition examining the surrealist artist's connections with America -- a relationship less documented than his ties to visited the US seven times between 1947 and 1968, and the show will feature works by American icons such as Louise Bourgeois, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko alongside the Spanish artist's own pieces. Miro initially drew inspiration from artists such as Vincent van Gogh or Paul Cezanne before developing his own unique style.


Harpers Bazaar Arabia
3 days ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
10 Chic Gifts To Celebrate Eid al-Adha
Elevate every moment of your Eid break with these little luxuries From opulent timepieces and It-bags to artisanal beauty essentials and gleaming fine jewellery, our edit of Eid-inspired gifts celebrate timeless craftsmanship, elegant design, and an appreciation for life's finer things. Whether you're indulging in a little self-gifting or searching for the perfect gift, each item is sure to bring a smile. Christian Dior Rose Star Eau de Parfum Rose Star blends Christian Dior's love for roses and his lucky star into a radiant scent. Zesty top notes and Sichuan pepper give way to honeyed, musky accords and an intense, unexpected trail—one spritz and you're set for a glamorous evening. Loewe Puzzle Bag Celebrating a decade of great design, Loewe's Puzzle 10 collection reimagines the iconic bag with 19 archival re-editions and a new model with added pizzazz. Highlights include the Confetti bag, adorned with multi-coloured sequins, and unique artist collaborations—each a little bit of history to make your own with any charm you choose. The Piaget Sixtie Rose Gold Watch A bold reinterpretation of Piaget's 1960s heritage designs, the Sixtie watch fuses timeless elegance with modern flair. Its distinctive trapeze-shaped case and supple 18-karat rose gold bracelet reflect the maison's exquisite craftsmanship and charm, bringing a healthy dose of joie-de-vivre to any wrist stack. Louis Vuitton's Sun Multi-Motif Necklace Crafted in 18-karat pink gold, Louis Vuitton's necklaces bring the maison's iconic motifs to life in sparkling diamonds and semi-precious stones. Featuring 13 precious monogram flowers, its long, scintillating lengths make it the perfect partner for modest eveningwear ensembles. Augustinus Bader's Luxury Lip Balm This handy duo set includes The Lip Balm and Tinted Balm in a soft pink hue—two products that beauty editors are never found without. Powered by super-ingredient TFC8, they nourish, plump, and smooth lips with clear or sheer colour. Created in collaboration with Sofia Coppola, they have the movie star seal of approval. Hermès Kelly festival Bag Charm For those looking for something a little more sophisticated than a Labbubu, try this for size—a playful nod to the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, this charm features hand-beaded hardware, a hand-stitched gusset, and a palladium-plated metallic finish. It's mini, but mighty. Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Suede Bag The Miu Miu Wander bag showcases a retro-inspired hobo silhouette that transitions seamlessly from shopping with friends, to a fun evening out. Compact yet chic, in a rainbow of colours. ARMANI/PRIVÉ Rose D'Arabie Gift Set Ready to elevate any coffee tablescape, the Rose D'Arabie scented candle, housed in an elegant Armani/Privé holder with a Coupe Meche. The candle's opulent rose and amber notes evoke the richness of the Arabian desert, turning any room into a warm, sophisticated retreat. Westman Atelier The Complete Petite Brush Collection This limited-edition 9-piece brush set by Westman Atelier features mini-sized tools handcrafted in Japan. The set includes brushes for foundation, blending, powder, eyeshadow, and lips. Designed for flawless application and portability, let it add a little luxury to your make-up routine. Läderach's Handcrafted Swiss Chocolates Make this Eid truly special with Läderach's elegant selection of handcrafted Swiss chocolates. From beautifully adorned Eid trays to customizable gift boxes, each creation blends exquisite flavour with over 60 years of chocolate-making artistry. Choose from a variety of rich, irresistible flavours, perfect for thoughtful gifting and festive sharing.