The timeless connection between fashion and art has taken center stage in the British fashion industry this year, especially in the new AW23 season. Prominent brands like Burberry, Dunhill, and Dr. Martens are showcasing their strong ties to the art world.
Burberry, for instance, has joined forces with Tate Britain to support the ‘Sarah Lucas: Happy Gas’ exhibition, a tribute to one of Britain’s eminent artists. The exhibition spans four decades of Lucas’s work, featuring over 75 artworks, including both early sculptures and never-before-seen creations. This collaboration aligns with Burberry’s renewed emphasis, under the direction of Daniel Lee, on celebrating its British heritage. The proximity of Tate Britain to Burberry’s London headquarters on Horseferry Road, SW1, makes it a natural partnership. It builds upon Burberry’s legacy of supporting British arts and culture, from international exhibitions to creative arts scholarships and fostering access to the creative industries through The Burberry Foundation.
Dr. Martens has also entered the artistic realm with its latest collaboration, paying tribute to artist Ithell Colquhoun through a partnership with Tate. Colquhoun, known for her provocative and non-conformist art rooted in the occult, nature, and exploration of sex and gender, is celebrated through this collaboration. Dr. Martens highlights Colquhoun’s work on its iconic 1460 boot, featuring two of the artist’s most expressive pieces, ‘Volcanic Flare’ and ‘Example of Decalcomania Technique.’
Dunhill, a brand steeped in British heritage, is embracing the art world in its AW23 season by partnering with Frieze Masters, a renowned event taking place in London’s Regents Park. Dunhill brings back the Frieze Masters Talks content program for the first time since 2019. This collaboration emphasizes Dunhill’s commitment to supporting cultural legacies and fostering intellectual discussions. Curated by Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, the talks will take place within Dunhill’s design-focused auditorium at the fair. The discussions will explore the connections between historical art and contemporary practice, featuring influential international artists and industry figures.
The Dunhill space at Frieze Masters will be a multifunctional design, embodying the brand’s masculine elegance and classicism. Made to Measure fabrics will play a central role in the space’s soft furnishings and wall cladding. Additionally, visitors can explore extraordinary pieces from Dunhill’s archive and current offerings, curated by Nick Foulkes, author of «Dunhill by Design.»
In addition to the talks and exhibitions, a kick-off event will be held at Dunhill’s Mayfair flagship store on October 6th. This event, chaired by Tim Marlow, Director of the Design Museum, will feature a panel discussion with Nicholas Cullinan, visual artist Shirin Neshat, and architect Jamie Fobert.
The fashion-art trend is gaining momentum, transcending ‘quiet luxury’ trends seen on runways. Leading fashion labels, like Schiaparelli, are embracing artistry, while collaborations, such as Jean Paul Gaultier-KNWLS, are making bold fashion statements akin to artworks. Events like Vogue World aim to fuse fashion with the arts, further blurring the lines between the two realms.
Moreover, street style during Fashion Month has evolved into a form of living artwork, emphasizing visibility over traditional notions of dressing well. The convergence of fashion and art appears to be an ongoing trend with endless creative possibilities.
