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Art and fashion are the two sides of one coin. Both are creative forms characterized by expression and freedom, however, art is barely restricted by any boundaries, while fashion is dictated by fast-paced industry, consumerism, and constantly changing trends. It is natural to fashion designers to refer to the art world and give life to sensational art and fashion collaborations in pursuit of artistic freedom. The idea was followed by some iconic pairings, like Salvador Dali’s and Elsa Schiaparelli’s ‘Organza Dinner Dress with Painted Lobster’, which has become one of the first collaborations between the two creative spheres. A lot of 90’s designers have been known for their conceptualism, that blurred the lines between art and fashion.

The work of Rei Kawakubo, the creative director of Comme des Garçons, named ‘Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body’ from Spring/Summer collection of 1997 is a vivid reimagination of the body, contemporary dance, and avant-garde fashion manifested in one picture.

Collaborations with artists give designer a wild card for experimentation. Together, art and fashion tell a full-bodied and more profound story, even if the representation of obtained designs is rather less clear. The difference is that the artists thread the otherwise regular pieces of clothes with cultural depth and meaning. Put together, art and fashion are two very powerful tools, that are powerful enough to arise the economic potential. Art commercializes fashion, and does it in a mysterious way by making you look a little closer and keeping you guessing.