Fashion and Art 101
Singapore Tatler|March 2020
The names that go down in history as the biggest patrons of art and artists in the 21st century may not be those of individuals or families—it’s likely they’ll be those of fashion brands
- Tess Harold
Fashion and Art 101

Stroll through the galleries of the Louvre, Metropolitan Museum of Art or British Museum and you’ll find plenty of masterpieces that weren’t created as art for art’s sake. They were custom orders from royalty, the Catholic church or even successful merchants like the Medici family, who’ve become shorthand for art patronage.

Today, our concept of an artist is usually someone working independently. But with more and more brands keen to benefit from the halo effect of collaborating with artists, fashion houses are becoming major art patrons. The recent Art Basel Miami Beach hosted so many brands it could have passed for an unofficial fashion week. Among them: Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Versace, Miu Miu, Chloé and Gucci.

But why so cosy, and why now? With traditional marketing methods in decline, companies are looking for new ways to cut through the noise and build their image. By working with artists, brands gain a certain intellectual and creative cachet, while artists reap financial and often logistical support, not to mention increasing the value of their work.

It’s also personal. For fashion industry titans such as Bernard Arnault and François Pinault, art collecting is a passion—and a way of leaving a legacy. For designers, the visual appeal of art is clear. A quick look at the inspirations of Gucci’s Alessandro Michele or Dior Men’s Kim Jones would reveal the symbiotic relationship between fashion and art. In the past, Michele has said: “Art is about connection. No real artist wants to make a piece and close it in a box so that nobody gets to touch it. In the same way, fashion is about connection.”

Here’s a primer on the players:

LOUIS VUITTON

この蚘事は Singapore Tatler の March 2020 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Singapore Tatler の March 2020 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

SINGAPORE TATLERのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 分  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 分  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024