Like a lot of terms used within the industry, luxury fashion has evolved over the years. At one time, the phrase was associated with the super-rich; celebrities who purchased their items from high-end fashion houses that were beyond the budget of most consumers.

Happily, all that has changed now and in the modern day, luxury fashion is accessible to all. Art is implemented into everyone’s lives from sneakers to custom-designed hoodies, to headwear. Featuring all different price points.

A relatively new phenomenon has seen famous artworks incorporated into everyday wear. This certainly helps any item of clothing to stand out, and the right piece can transform any casual item into a luxury fashion item.

The Icons

The choice of artist and artwork has to be right. If you walk down the street with a picture of the Mona Lisa on a T-shirt, you’ll simply look like a tourist. In contrast, those who want to stand out rather than blend in with the rest should gain inspiration from an artist who is also considered a fashion icon.

Perhaps the best fit in this category is Andy Warhol. The influential New Yorker was a part of the unforgettable music and fashion scenes from the 1960s onwards. Warhol’s artwork has been seen on clothing for decades, but it remains timeless.

His iconic soup can piece is the most popular among designers, but his portraits gain recognition too. Prince, Debbie Harry, and a host of other film and music stars are involved. Remember, that we’re not just talking about T-shirts, and any of these images can be used on dresses, trousers, and other items of external clothing.

Andy Warhol is the best example of an artist who has influenced the fashion industry, but there are others. Pablo Picasso, Tracey Emin, Salvador Dali, and Gustav Klimt are just four further creators whose works would be considered stylish.

Art, Fashion and Evolution

The use of art in fashion has evolved. Historically, designs were fairly basic, and they tended to harness the work of the most recognizable painters.

The modern era is more up-to-date, and while artists such as Andy Warhol remain important, other styles are more contemporary.

Fashion from the Street

Some luxury fashion takes its inspiration directly from modern artists. While it will always be possible to buy mass-produced soup can T-shirts, other items can be a little more exclusive.

In 2001, the iconic Louis Vuitton brand entered into a collaboration with Stephen Sprouse. This was an early example of fashion meeting street art, but it led to one of the most unforgettable accessories of all time.

The Louis Vuitton bag, complete with Sprouse’s trademark lettering became a must-have in the early 2000s. More than twenty years later, it remains a popular purchase and a perfect example of how modern art can enter the mainstream fashion scene.

Stephen Sprouse and Louis Vuitton laid a platform for others to follow. Another famous collaboration involves Gucci, and the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned musician and artist Trouble Andrew. Having created the alter ego GucciGhost, Andrew’s involvement with the brand is a natural fit.

Elsewhere, elusive UK artist Banksy was involved in a dispute with the American label Guess. Banksy has never allowed his work to be used commercially, and he claimed that the retailer had used his designs without permission.

It’s easy to see why art and fashion are such a perfect combination. Both require genius and highly creative minds to create the best icons in each medium. Historically, those who use visual mediums have mingled with fashion designers and musicians while crossing over into other disciplines.

There will always be a link between the two crafts, but we’re seeing far more collaborations in the modern day. Fashion can also mean designing your own clothes using some of the world’s most recognizable artworks, but for those who want something off the shelf, there is plenty of choice.