As Pablo Picasso once said, "Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun." Take one look at the latest creations by Christian Lacroix, Pucci, and Zac Posen, and you will agree that the same can be said for these artists of the cloth.
These designers have managed to combine the two mammoth worlds of art and fashion in a slew of dresses that are nothing less than walking works of art. Kimono-like print dresses by Lacroix are so intricate, they should be showcased in a museum rather than hanging in a closet. Zac Posen’s mint green chiffon dress resembles an ornate sculpture you might saunter past at the MOMA. And Pucci has brought a modern twist to its classic print with a subtle yet genius shift in form.
The beauty of these dresses lies in their ability to take fashion to a higher level while still maintaining wearability. They present cutting edge design and beauty that transcend fleeting trends. For those of us who are still hanging prints on our walls with hopes of someday snagging an original, there are equal alternatives in the world of wearable art.
1. Marni makes a lively modern dress ($544) suggestive of a Kandinsky.
2. If Monet is more your palette, then a Nicole Miller frock ($246) with watercolor hues could be a good investment.
3. For the sculpture connoisseur, you can own a Castle Starr marigold ruched chiffon dress ($330.00).
4. And for the more bargain inclined, Target offers a beautiful structured Isaac Mizrahi taffeta dress ($49.99) reminiscent of the Lacroix gem.
5. Tastes run more towards the modern? Your contemporary collector's budget can also accomodate a charmeuse print dress ($24.99).
Whatever your artistic inclination, these dresses are undoubtedly masterpieces to behold and be worn. Seen everywhere from the Milan runways to the Beatrice Inn, these bold prints are making an even bolder statement that fashion is a serious art.
