Am I buying art or clothing? - YouLookFab Forum

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Am I buying art or clothing?

Anonymous

Angie really got me to thinking after her post about essentials. I've always wondered why I seem to end up with too many statement pieces and somewhat short of essentials. I've decided it's because a lot of times I buy clothes when I should be buying art. Clothes can be art, too, but they have to be worn, not just displayed. I'm going to ask myself now when I buy something: Are you buying art or buying clothes? I'm hoping this will help balance out my shopping habits. I'm both clothes-crazy and art-crazy and if I don't have the opportunity to buy art, I might be channeling this urge to possess something beautiful into clothing. I should probably get back into art projects, too, to see if that helps.

Shopping

31 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I love this idea. I think it is why I drool at nicer art and craft shows. Luckily the more fabulous clothes (and jewelry) are beyond my budget, so I don't have that problem. Although I think the special scarf I wore only once falls into this category. I loved not just how it looked but the creativity behind it. But it really only goes with delicate all black, and is summer weight. Also a hand painted dressy somewhat kimono style jacket I love but have worn only once or twice as it is a strong statement and not so flattering. But sooooo beautiful.

Ginger

Veteran

That is a very astute observation! I don't do that with clothing (or at least rarely), but I am quite tempted with fabric. There are so many lovely textiles out there, so it is difficult to say no even when I lack both time and the occasion to make a garment with it.

rachylou

Veteran

EXCELLENT point.

Anonymous

Oh, Ginger, the fabric, YES! My brain overheats when I find something in a luxurious fabric. Willpower goes right out the window, alas.

Barbara Diane, it sounds like you have much better restraint than I do, and know how to only buy artful things that can be actually worn, even if only occasionally.

Thanks for chiming in rachylou! Is your hair pink yet? Now THAT would be some wearable art, right there.

rachylou

Veteran

Have to work on the pink. Tried to add some last time, but it faded so fast....

Anonymous

That's okay, your hair looks really great in the photo, no pink required!

tulle

Veteran

This is an interesting thought, and I would extend the wearable art idea to that of craft and costume: when I find a vintage or antique piece of exquisitely crafted clothing, representative of its day, with beautiful fabric, embroidery or other detailing, and most often handmade, I almost always buy it. Some of these pieces I have worn, some simply cherished. I guess it is a sort of art substitute, but one I don't begrudge myself.

Traci

Veteran

I've realized recently that my drive to buy clothes and my need to be clothes don't necessarily intersect. I have a very nice, functional wardrobe right now, but that doesn't interfere with my desire to acquire lovely things. I'm trying to find the balance. The comparison to buying art is a good one!

Greyscale

Veteran

Oh wow. I like this concept. I have a few things that I unwittingly bought as art (and probably shouldn't have). Like the unworn McQueen sundress sitting in my closet gathering dust. But it was so perfect for me. (I'm sure I'll wear it someday.)

Anonymous

Tulle, those purchases made for purely aesthetic reasons can definitely feed the soul, no argument there! I just need to rein mine in -- a LOT. It sounds like you've found some treasures, maybe even heirlooms!

Thanks Traci. I want a wardrobe like yours, nice and functional. Mine is semi-functional at the moment.

Grayscale, I'll bet that McQueen dress is pretty cool. His designs always stand out in a crowd.

I'll give you an example of what I'm dealing with. I saw a dress on Etsy by a Bulgarian designer that I just adored. It was part leather and part fabric, and draped in an interesting way, and I was reading it as a piece of sculpture. I bought it and I have no idea where to wear it. My SO said I look like I've joined a heavy metal band when I tried it on for him. I guess I'll have to see when Metallica is in town next!

Style Fan

Veteran

I like this. I love really well made clothes and I will pay the price because they feel so incredible. I only want a few pieces of clothing now that I am retired. I do want functional clothing so that makes the clothing different from art. So far I have not worn any of our oil paintings. But you never know!

Anonymous

Those new pants are a work of art, Style Fan. Hang them on the wall when you're not wearing them!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I get this. I don't have enough wall space in my house to buy more art.

I do love having things in my wardrobe that are viewable as "art." I wore my oversized patina leather vest to an art event this weekend and got SO many comments on it. It truly is wearable art. I also think some of my scarves and jewelry qualify as wearable art. Also, I end up wearing the long patterned coat to a lot of events with creative people because it also makes an artistic statement.

In a way, I would like to thoughtfully add more pieces like this to my wardrobe over time. For my lifestyle, they are a big part of dressing for certain events and days. But I love wearing them on a typical day for no special reason as well.

I do think that channeling our desire for beauty and art in our lives can mean taking the easy (shopping) way out instead of doing the hard work of creating. I am guilty of this sometimes. I'm aware of this weakness though and am working on it.

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Anonymous

That's what I mean, Janet. I think I should be creating or even just appreciating rather than shopping sometimes. Putting some beauty out there instead of consuming it.

Your pieces are beautiful. I see the first one as a piece of sculpture and the second one as a painting. I could easily see either one at a gallery event, or meeting with your clients.

LaPed

Veteran

I'm too much of a wear-it-into-the-ground type to buy clothes that I perceive as artworks. I wouldn't say I'm truly function-over-form, but I can't shop for form alone. It has to function. But it does need to satisfy my aesthetic criteria as well. I'm also super picky about art, so if I acquired clothing the way I acquire art, I would not have a full, functional wardrobe.

I do think you're onto something with the making vs shopping. Shopping is almost always an easy way out. I'm trying to get better at setting aside discrete chunks of time, instead of always having a dozen browser tabs open with pretty wearable to gaze at with longing. Maybe I should go back to brick-n-mortar browsing only.

binkle

Veteran

Interesting point! I think I channel my art/statement craving into jewelry - specifically one of a kind mostly turquoise rings by an artist I met several years ago at a craft show. Maybe one or two clothing pieces of art a year - splurges by designers that I admire.

Penny

Veteran

Great concept! Maybe you can focus on buying "frames" to showcase your art?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Good point! I think I see myself as a canvas though.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Great observation. I never get excited about buying essentials. It's the artistic/unique element of a piece that is exciting and that means statement.

Sal

Veteran

Yes I can understand that.....and consider a beautiful artistic piece of clothing has longevity. It often transcends trends.

But like all art, it needs (IMO) a simple backdrop to appreciate it.

I don't consider my wardrobe terribly arty, I do have one or two pieces, and a couple of jewelry items that might fit the criteria.

Carolyn E.

Good, thought provoking post. For the art of it, is pretty much how I subconsciously live. I love browsing gift shops embedded in art galleries and museums....and the coastal California boutiques, o my! I have found unique pieces of jewelry and scarfs that make simple outfits look and feel so very special. That vest (Janet), that is so Badd that it speaks to the wearer and everyone she passes hears...
I have observed that you YLF ladies are ever evolving artist, and your personalities really shine beautifully through your clothing choices. I appreciate the artistry of you all.

harmonica

Veteran

I can definately relate to this. A well made item is a kind of art and skilled handcraft. But it has to be functional, too. I try to find a balance between my creativity and shopping. It can be hard, especially when the creativity is halting. The solution should probably be to not shop as an easy way out. Or SYC.

I like Penny's idea about focusing on frames for the art work.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I like thus post as i am in thw same boat. Wearable Art is a great name.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

What a great concept....definitely one to ponder.

Anonymous

I'm really enjoying all your comments and insights. Maybe we need to have a Clothing as Art virtual fashion show on here!

Frames for the art, now there's a thought...

JAileen

Veteran

I bought a bag at a thrift store once that was hand painted. It was Anuschka, I think. I eventually redonated it because the style didn't work for me, but it really was a work of art, with birds and tropical foliage.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think when you are not a particularly creative person, like me, and "don't understand art", then putting outfits together is a way of channelling what creativity I do have. And my most loved items like my 21 y old skirt with the embroidery and mirrors do seem like art to me.
BTW, some of you ladies may enjoy checking out the WOW festival website ( World of Wearable Arts) held here in Wellington NZ. Internationally famous and amazing art/ costumes.

cindysmith

Veteran

You just described my shoe problem. I have beautiful shoes that I don't wear but can't bring myself to get rid of. I've been forcing myself to try and buy shoes I can actually wear instead of the most beautiful shoe I can find (but has a 5" stiletto heel that just won't work in my life). Sometimes it works.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Good question! Late to the thread, but here goes...

I buy fashion in exactly the same way as I buy art. Not all the time, but if I see something that "belongs" in the collection, I don't think too much about whether it's going to get worn, I just consider the aesthetic value. I have a fair few trophy pieces which fit this description, and yes, I wear them. In service, a distinctive item can become what I'd call an essential statement or even a signature. In fact, a lot of my favourite footwear* falls into this category.

I think the trick to getting it right is not to buy indiscriminately and to consider how to contextualise it for your lifestyle. For instance, if this means you end up collecting cocktail dresses, are you willing to wear them with sneakers? My own "aha" moment came when I realised I could throw an Ann D trophy blazer over pyjamas to go to the supermarket.

(* By the way, in case you were wondering, Those Shoes will definitely get worn. Oh yes. Just as soon as the weather warms up.)

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