Museum style: art's most iconic looks inspire today's fashion
Forget scrolling through endless feeds – the ultimate source of sartorial inspiration might be hanging in a museum. From the languid drapery of Renaissance masterpieces to the crisp lines of 19th-century portraits, art offers a rich tapestry of fashion moments. At this year’s Costume Institute exhibition, “Costume Art,” exploring the interplay between body and dress, the team at Vogue and their creative circle have been diving deep into their favorite artistic ensembles, revealing the pieces that have truly captivated them.
A nostalgic glance at fashion’s past
For some, the allure lies in revisiting iconic figures. Stylist Bailey Moon, a long-time devotee of Anne Boleyn, finds herself drawn to the power and subtle control radiating from a portrait of the queen. The structured gown, almost a suit of armor, is softened by delicate trims and a personalized pendant, a poignant reminder of Boleyn’s tragic fate. Similarly, Chloe Malle admires the impeccable styling of the Comtesse d’Haussonville, captivated by the perfect icy blue of her dress—a shade reminiscent of a pre-spring sky—and the striking contrast with a fire-red hair bow.
Beyond the figure: abstract inspirations
But the inspiration isn’t always rooted in historical figures. Nicole Phelps, Vogue’s global fashion news & features director, finds herself mesmerized by the gleaming gold robes featured in Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. The luminous quality, the intricate patterns—it’s a reminder that even in the depiction of intimacy, clothing can possess its own transcendent beauty.
Laird Borrelli-Persson, the archive editor, is captivated by the sheer visual pleasure of Francisco de Zurbarán’s St. Apollonia, with its “delicious colors, plus a bow or two and a halo—that’s pretty much fashion heaven.” The details, the textures, the way light plays across the canvas—it’s a feast for the eyes.
A spectrum of artistic fashion moments
The selections are as diverse as the art itself. Sarah Hoover, an art historian, points to the incredibly rendered textile patterns in Manet’s work, noting that even his nude figures don't diminish the power of the clothing. Designer Stephen Biga is moved by the balance of strength and femininity in John Everett Millais’ Joan of Arc—armor juxtaposed with a swath of red fabric. Diego Portillo, the visuals editor, was struck by the exquisite detail of the pants in James Tissot’s The Circle of the Rue Royale, noting the palpable sense of the fabric's texture. Aimee Ng, the Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator at The Frick, highlights John Singer Sargent’s Dr. Pozzi at Home, celebrating the overwhelming visual impact of the red robe against crimson curtains—a moment of “impossibly chic” dressing gown elegance.
Even Vincent van Gogh’s Girl in White sparks a desire for immediate wearability, with its high collar, structured shoulders, and floral print—a perfect summer ensemble. And Anna Grace Lee finds herself drawn to the languid summer heat radiating from Sir Frederic Leighton’s Flaming June, particularly the sheer, flowing drapery of the dress.
Ultimately, these artistic inspirations reveal a timeless truth: fashion isn’t just about what we wear; it’s about how we present ourselves, how we inhabit our bodies, and how we engage with the world around us. The enduring power of these images proves that art and fashion are inextricably linked, each enriching and informing the other—a connection that continues to shape our style, our aspirations, and our understanding of beauty.