Sam Prompt Response

Art and fashion equally attempt to effectively push boundaries. They both challenge societal "norms" and create ever evolving public opinion. In this particular show, Japanese fashion seemed to be more centrally focused around form and concept over function. Even collections that are now twenty years old, still seem extraordinarily futuristic and exemplify forward thinking. For instance, Issey Miyake's collection demonstrated a streamlined design for a very modern woman. He also created garments that were reminiscent of origami in that they folded down into one collapsible design. Also, the materials used, which were widely repeated in several designers' collections, such as polyester or rayon, are synthetic. However, they still maintained these amazing shapes in the garments displayed. The most notable of these designs can be seen in Hiroaki Ohya's creation of a red honeycomb dress constructed entirely of polyester film. this piece fascinated me most in the exhibition. Though these streamlined, futuristic narratives seemed to dominate the show, there were other designers that went a different route. There is a deep sense of nostalgia and costume in Rei Kawakubo's collection. Gingham patterns and large lumps around the neck and torso of colorful gowns greatly contrasted the aforementioned designers. The dresses reminded me of the Victorian era, but still seemed very futuristic. It called to mind films such as "The Fifth Element" or "Bladerunner". Since fashion is much more prevalent and obvious in our daily lives than other forms of art, it can facilitate a change or shift in social opinion much faster. The emphasis and exaggeration of non traditional areas such as the hips on the clothing in Kawakubo's collection seemed to almost challenge gender roles in society. The focus in Western fashion seems to be either masculine or feminine and reinforce gender roles. These alien shapes created by the illusion of the design questions the way we as people perceive as being attractive or beautiful. The focus is totally shifted away from the proverbial miniature waistline. it has also effectively asked the viewer to contemplate the difference between art and fashion.