Influence of Van Gogh on Modern Fashion Designers

by guest blogger @lindsayleboyer, Lindsay LeBoyer

Van Gogh’s world famous post-impressionist paintings can be seen anywhere from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. As a result, Van Gogh has had a tremendous influence in the fashion world, and not just the t-shirts from the gift shop. From haute couture to flowy frocks, Van Gogh has inspired numerous fashion designers.

Rodarte

Rodarte s/s 2012

Perhaps the most candid take on Van Gogh fashions comes from Kate and Laura Mulleavy at Rodarte. The sisters reimagined the painter’s Sunflowers in the form of pixelated prints on 1950s style dresses. They also pulled inspiration from Starry Night, and turned out a midnight blue and golden yellow chiffon number. The collection, which was shown during fashion week this past September, took an edgier turn with mirrored platforms and smokey eyes, perhaps a nod to Van Gogh’s dark personality.

Yves Saint Laurent

YSL haute couture 1988

In 1988, the Yves Saint Laurent designed jackets that mimicked Van Gogh’s irises. Part of his haute couture collection, the iridescent jackets were decked with voluminous shoulder accents. The legendary designer altered the original painting’s composition to better suit a jacket, and intensified the colors to have a bigger impact on the runway. Embroidery artist François Lesage hand embroidered these couture creations in collaboration with YSL.

Max Azria

Max Azria resort collection

A more wearable take on Van Gogh is this dress by Max Azria. The designer claims it was inspired by a honeymoon in the desert isle, but it’s clear that Van Gogh’s Starry Night had a strong influence.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera bridal collection

Carolina Herrera brings Van Gogh to the bride with a figure hugging ivory gown. Not the traditional wedding dress, Herrera’s gown features a floral jacquard that resembles Van Gogh’s sunflowers. A menswear hat and bouquet of sunflowers completes this whimsical wedding day look.

Would you wear a Van Gogh inspired look?

Lindsay LeBoyer is an intern at SchulmanArt. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.
mentioned in this article:  @MuseeOrsay, @metmuseum, #Carolina Herrera, #Rodarte, @AzriaMax, @YSL