The Ouroboros of Inspiration
Inspiration can strike anywhere and at any time. The Greeks thought their artistic inspiration and enthusiasm were always sourced from human muses as well as gods. It is a common notion that artists seek inspiration from others around them and that is how we have the art and style of today. It has evolved through time as one artist was inspired by another and created history. Fashion designers are modern-day artists and they create art with their clothes.
Japan and France, may be on different continents on opposite sides of the world. Their cultures and lifestyles are contrasting, yet there are certain similarities that are evident. When it comes to fashion, these similarities are also the product of an endless loop of constant inspiration. Let’s look to the Greeks again, this can be better described as an ouroboros of inspiration - the eternal cyclic renewal of enthusiasm.
The French Influence
There is a certain obsession the Japanese have with the French, they tend to associate anything French with luxury, class, and refinement. It is very common to walk down the street in Japan and see at least one clothing store with a French name. This obsession has brought about several similarities in their fashion over the decades.
1. Monochromatic bulky layers – over the last few years, Paris fashion week has seen more and more designers using monochromatic bulky layers as their primary style statement for their fall/winter lines. When looking closely at Japanese street styles, you will notice the same concept being adapted.
2. Eye-catching colors and multiple patterns – another trend being adapted from fashion week to street style is the use of bright colors, as well as mixing patterns to form bold and eye-catching looks.
The fashion inspiration has turned out to be a two-way free flow. While the Japanese street style is being influenced by Paris; Paris street style is being influenced by Japan.
The Japanese Connection:
The origins of Avant-Garde Fashion have come about purely with the Japanese influence which became more evident as several iconic Japanese designers started to play relevant roles in the French fashion scene. It started all the way back in the 1980s. Legendary designer Rei Kawakubo, better known for her label Comme des Garçons, which was inspired by Coco Chanel. Her designs revolved around boyish looks for women. Yohji Yamamoto, was at that time working with the already-established Issey Miyake, for whom he was designing collections that combined his signature androgynous style with hints of Japanese aesthetic. And thus, Avant-Garde fashion was born.
Now more than ever, you will see this style out on the streets not only in Paris or Japan, but in every metropolitan city. Avant-Garde Fashion has been redefining not only French fashion, but fashion globally. Many of today’s fashion designers have been taking inspiration from these waves of history-defining themes and styles. As we move forward, fashion capitals will continually inspire each other and you will see the most magnificent pieces of art being created in the form of clothing.