Impressionism And How It Has Influenced
Haute Couture Fashion

Impressionism is a radical art movement established in the early 1860s by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro and other Parisian-based artists who sought to rebel against the ‘banal’ standards of painting during their time. Their practice focused more on exploring the transient and momentary effects sunlight had on the subjects they painted as well as demolishing the use of the colour black to introduce definition to a scene. This society of artists strived to work ‘en plain air’ which is a term for working outside, away from the studio and its superficial static.

There is a sense of naturalism derived from impressionism, through the rejection of harsh artificial light. The artists are invited to engage with their natural surroundings gaining awareness of the connection between fleeting light, colour and shifting patterns. I strongly feel this allows for versatility. 

The impressionists were initially shunned by critics but over time they were celebrated as they provided their audience with a shift in the dull, mundane colours and forms that existed beforehand. To this day, impressionism has since fostered other art movements such as pointillism and is frequently referenced in more contemporary art forms. 

I believe that fashion, much like impressionism, values the ideals of freedom and fluidity. Both reject the mundane and traditional standards. Many great haute couture fashion pieces have been influenced by fine art and the two specialisms are often combined as is the case with other disciplines, adapting and evolving to the changing contemporary standards. A number of fashion brands have referenced impressionism in their pieces by using a light, vibrant colour palette or emulating dainty, fleeting brushstrokes through embroidery and textiles.

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Here are some fashion brands that have been inspired by the avant-garde movement.