by Fashion designers can find inspiration in any number of ways. They might take tangible inspiration from art, music, a particular flower or even a Faberge egg like Olivier Rousteing did in his Balmain collection.
For outfit inspiration that feels both fashion-forward and classic, look to Abisola (@EggCanvas). This mom-of-two mixes trendy and timeless pieces to create her effortlessly cool looks.
Art
Fashion and art have been in a long-standing love affair, with designers seeking inspiration from iconic artworks for years. From Elsa Schiaparelli’s Lobster Dress inspired by Salvador Dali to the Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse collaboration, there are many ways to incorporate art into your style.
Fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet was a master at taking inspiration from art to create her stunning collections. She would draw upon the curves of classical Greek sculptures and paintings to contour her dresses. Her designs were evocative of the body in motion and the flowing movement of dance, resulting in a seamless interplay between fashion and art.
Take time to study the artwork that inspires you, identifying its dominant colors and themes. Then, consider how these colors and patterns might work together in your wardrobe. For example, if you love the gold swirls in Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, try incorporating the same pattern into your clothing. Or, explore color harmony by contrasting a cool blue dress with warm oranges or browns.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia is an emotion that often brings back memories of the past. It evokes feelings of warmth and happiness, but it can also include some sadness. It can be a powerful force in fashion, with designers using it to create looks that are reminiscent of past eras. For example, Vivienne Westwood often uses nostalgia as a design technique, using it to inspire nostalgic styles like gothic dresses or retro-inspired fashion.
Historical nostalgia is an important part of society, but it can be dangerous if used as a tool to reinforce negative concepts and practices. For instance, reminiscing about the good old days of drinking or smoking can encourage those behaviors again.
As a fashion trend, nostalgia can be used to make people feel happy and connected. It can also inspire people to live in the present and focus on experiences that are meaningful. For example, a study conducted in 2021 found that nostalgia made people feel warm and connected to other people. Nostalgia can also be a useful tool to help people recover from loss.
Muses
The muses are nine goddesses in Greek mythology. They embody the arts of music, poetry, drama and dance as well as prophecy and wisdom. In modern English, the word muse is a synonym for inspiration. Historically, it was used explicitly to refer to the group of women, and later came to mean any person who inspires an artist or writer. For example, an anecdote might be said to have a ‘muse’ if it is a story that strikes a strong emotional chord with the audience.
In Roman mythology the Muses were a popular subject for artworks, and they were often depicted as seated. This was in part due to their connection with Delphi and the art of prophecy. They were also compared to the inspiring nymphs of springs and the Camenae, the Volva in Norse mythology, and the apsaras of classical India.
In the world of fashion, many famous designers have had a number of muses that helped them create their collections. These were often models or high-society girls with whom the designer built close relationships that lasted years.
Celebrities
Whether you’re in a style rut or just looking for fresh ideas, turn to your favorite social media accounts to find some fashion inspiration. Take note of the trends in your feeds and what types of looks you admire most. From there, try to incorporate some of these styles into your own wardrobe.
A celebrity is someone who has gained fame and broad public recognition through entertainment, such as acting, singing, or playing a sport. They may also be known for their accomplishments, such as achievements in science, politics, or business. Celebrities often have an impact on society, either beneficial or harmful.
Melissa is a fashion blogger and lifestyle influencer with a taste for the finer things in life (think Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, and Jaguar). She has cultivated a stylish community around her brand It’s A Lifestyle Hun that focuses on beauty, travel, wellness, and fashion. With a ladylike, sophisticated, and classic sense of style, she’s the epitome of cool-girl chic. Her signature looks include a great pair of dark wash jeans and a tailored blazer with a feminine, flattering silhouette.
