A visual and contextual comparative study of the work of Picasso and Chanel towards an understanding of the overlaps between Modern Art and Fashion

Vettese-Forster, Samantha

Abstract

From the beginning of the twentieth century, ``Modernism`` impacted and transformed art and clothing. Pablo Picasso and Gabrielle ``Coco`` Chanel were two of the most central characters in Modernism working simultaneously in their disciplines. Picasso`s innovations, particularly in abstract art and Chanel`s fashion designs, that dramatically departed from the previous corseted and highly deco-rative styles, were so significant that they have left an influence on contemporary art and fashion. This study will compare their visual works and documented evidence of their motivations, within the context of their cultural backgrounds, to reveal meaning in the occurrences of overlaps. This approach has ex-amined the historical, cultural background of the artist and designer`s environment from different per-spectives, adding to previous research in this area. Through this research, outcomes of the analysis have shown similarities and divergences in the wider genres of art and fashion and the practice of the artist and fashion designer. The reference list to this text, used in the survey, gives a comprehensive overview of pertinent publications disseminating Picasso and Chanel`s visual works, oral perspectives and cultural impact.

Citation

Vettese-Forster, S. (2012). A visual and contextual comparative study of the work of Picasso and Chanel towards an understanding of the overlaps between Modern Art and Fashion. The International Journal of Costume and Fashion, 12, 15-32

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 9, 1999
• Publication Date: 2012
• Deposit Date: May 29, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Pages: 15-32
• Keywords: Chanel; culture; fashion art; Modernism; Picasso
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/9982