Surrealism

So surrealism is set to make a return thanks to a new exhibition at Tate Modern that pays tribute to the artistic movement. Colin McDowell, however, is adamant that it never went away and before we can begin to wonder how that is so, he gives us his view…

McDowell’s article on surrealism perfectly details the evolution of the movement in the fashion industry and describes its transition throughout the years. He explains that the relationships formed between certain fashion designers and surrealist artists in the 1930s shaped the fashion industry forever more. McDowell considers fashion and surrealism to be very similar and lists the work of many designers influenced by surrealism, from Coco Chanel to Alexander McQueen.

Though McDowell is quick to support the issue (is surrealism really ‘returning’?) with examples of these designers’ work, he doesn’t exactly evaluate them. Nor does he present any kind of argument against the idea of surrealism in fashion which makes for a very factual, informative article.

McDowell is quick to frequently refer to many high-fashion designers, the prestige of which emphasises McDowell’s knowledge of the fashion movements. He uses their prestige to reaffirm his beliefs that surrealism has influenced the most prominent of designers throughout all decades.

Needless to say, McDowell’s interpretation of fashion trends is valued immensely. Therefore it would have been of interest to grasp an understanding of his opinions when faced with the ‘return’ of surrealism in the art form and his musings on whether it will impact fashion and beauty trends on another level. 

Clearly, McDowell considers the ‘return of surrealism’ to be a tarnish on the continual but less prominent surrealism that has had a place in fashion since 1930. In response, he gives us the very factual article detailing the rise of surrealism in fashion and how it never really went away. 

Alexander McQueen

20 Spectacular and Surreal Dresses. 2013. 20 Spectacular and Surreal Dresses. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.awwwards.com/20-spectacular-and-surreal-dresses.html. [Accessed 14 October 2013].