Art makes us stop and stare. It makes us pay attention to details, stimulating our mind and triggering emotions. We ask, why should this phenomenon remain confined between museum walls? The answer is it shouldn’t. That’s why we picked four of our favorite paintings, and translated them into fashionable outfits. Nobody might notice that you took a cue from René Magritte for your outfit, or that your look of the day is inspired by Klimt, from head to toe, but they will notice that you look stunning, different, inspiring. Let’s give it a try and see if they stop and stare when we walk by, too.
1. Dress like René Magrittes Personal Values
Rene Magritte: Personal Values, 1951-1952.
What would Magritte, the master of (dis)illusion, say if he saw his late 1920s paintings translated into an outfit today? He might have reacted by saying that that does not mean anything at all. As he said: „My paintings are visible images which conceal nothing… they evoke mystery and indeed when one sees one of my pictures, one asks oneself this simple question ‘What does that mean’? It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable.’“
We say: yes, sure. But it still feels so good to look for beautiful objects in his paintings, to create a wonderful outfit inspired by all the colors, patterns and objects we found. It literally makes us dive into a new dimension: have you ever noticed before that sky prints and leopard prints are just the perfect match? Of course you didn’t, but thanks to Magritte, we know now: they are amazing together! Even if they don’t mean anything.
2. Dress like Klimt’s The Kiss
Klimt, The Kiss (Lovers), 1907-1908
Opulent, golden, dreamlike. Klimt’s symbolist paintings give an insight into a hidden world full of secrets, emotions and intimacy. The Kiss (Lovers) was a key piece of his symbolic artwork: it depicts a couple embracing, their bodies wrapped up in decorated robes showing both the linear constructs of contemporary Art Nouveau, and the organic forms typical of the Arts and Crafts movement. Together, they look like a fabulous piece of jewelry, like precious wallpaper, a fusion of flowers and gold. It is actually a wonderful combination of patterns and colors to wear this coming spring, don’t you think?
3. Dress like Cy Twomblys Roses
‘Roses’, (detail) by Cy Twombly, 2008
Cy Twombly’s Roses are impressive. The huge size of these modern paintings gifts such delicate flowers with true power: painting them with bold strokes, quickly, following his instinct, this contemporary artist made these roses look like they’re bleeding from a thousand wounds, and very much alive at the same time. The color drips down from the petals, different shades of pink melting together in an intriguing game of layers. A detail that will strike your attention: in some of these rose paintings, you will find verses by renowned poets. We always knew that there’s a reason why women love these flowers especially: they reflect their strength and beauty, while still looking fragile and delicate. This is a combination of characteristics we pretty much identify with, and that we would definitely like to showcase in a flowery outfit, feeling like we’re walking right in the middle of a rose garden in Paris.
4. Dress like Franz Gertsch’s At Luciano’s House, 1973
Franz Gertsch, At Luciano’s House, 1973
Painstaking, utterly precise and accurate: Franz Gertsch’s oversized paintings might look like photos at first sight, but they’re not. His hyperrealistic artwork, created between 1969 and 1978, shows scenes from the artist’s daily life, all created with precise brush strokes. Nobody might notice if you’re wearing the same outfit as one of the girls on these paintings, but we promise: you will instantly feel more glam-rock, more unique, more like you just came out of a crazy party night in London.
