The Coexistence of Artforms: Music and Fashion
Image Courtesy: GQ
We all cultivate a specific persona or image that we want to be perceived as. These personas impact the decisions we make in our daily lives whether it deals with the culture we participate in, the music we listen to, or the fashion we follow. All these different art forms make up how we express ourselves as individuals, giving us a way to represent our inside vision to the outside world how we choose to. This brings into question, can art forms such as music or fashion—which are perceived to be complete opposites—coexist?
Image Courtesy: Karwansaray Publishers
Firstly, we must dive into the brief histories of each. Fashion has been utilized as a form of self-expression dating back to ancient times. Hundreds of years ago, in ancient Greece and Rome, fashion was utilized to display one's economic status or religious affiliations. Even the use of specific colors it would depict if an individual was upper or lower class. In the Middle Ages, the upper classes would wear bright and attention-grabbing colors, while the lower classes wore more neutral tones. This showcases fashion’s longevity and how its consistent use as a way of self-identity did not begin in modern times.
The same can be emphasized for music, as it has always been a part of our history. Ancient Greece and Rome were also known for their music, which was used heavily in entertainment (theater, worship, dance) demonstrating the intricate role it has played in shaping our current practices. In the Romantic period, music took on this more thought-provoking approach to expression; artists such as Chopin or Tchaikovsky utilized melodies to elicit specific emotions within their audiences.
Image Courtesy: Esquire
Music and fashion continue to evoke emotions today as both art forms curate an image for the audience. Just as music was used for theater in the past, it has continued to be used in today's media. Mainstream music artists utilize fashion to illustrate their current brand or ‘era’ that they are in, impacting the direction of evolving trends. Specifically, one of Tyler, the Creator’s most notable songs “EARFQUAKE” was popular not only based on the sound itself but from Tyler’s creative direction with the music video. His use of the iconic short bob wig allowed the artist to create a persona that he utilized for his Igor album tour. The Igor aesthetic, which consisted of an aquamarine suit and a platinum blonde wig, was used to portray this stop-motion-esque character that blurred the lines between funny and outrageous. He built upon this character in concerts, with heavily rigid movements and stage presence that was heavily influenced by the performance art genre. When discussing his exploration of performance and character work, Tyler, the Creator shared with GQ that he often has to be careful to ensure that fans understand that it's just a concept, “It’s art and an idea.” While Tyler has been known to categorize past versions of himself via his albums (ie. Goblin and Bastard), this was the first time he could fully execute the visual art component along with the musical component at such a large scale. Not only does this further sell the music, but it also establishes an emotional connection between the artist and their audience. He creates texture and depth in his work which can be seen in how he structures his concert sets. Specifically, in his last tour for his album Call Me If You Get Lost, he appears in a boat for the song “WUSYANAME”, on a second stage that is closer to the audience. He cuts the distance and allows the audience to become immersed in the visuals with him as he is performing his music, bringing them together as one.
Image Courtesy: The Ringer
Another artist that heavily integrates fashion and music is Kanye – now legally known as “Ye”– West. While Ye has always been a polarizing figure, fans and critics alike can confirm that his talents have taken the music and fashion industries by storm. Ye’s ability to market himself, by constantly coming up with innovative concepts for his music videos and his concerts, truly separates him from the other artists who dabble in mixing art forms as well. His most recent Donda era specifically illustrates his pension for drawing the attention of the press, as he had a heavy hand in planning a multitude of listening parties for Donda and previewing his song “no child left behind” after building up anticipation for his delayed album. The music in the album takes on a range of feelings from gospel (a nod to his previous album, Jesus is King) to melodic, encompassing the artist's life from his tumultuous divorce to his newfound Christian faith and a dedication to his late mother, Donda West. With how tumultuous not only Ye’s life was at the time, but the journey to Donda’s final release when Kanye announced his Chicago and Atlanta album previews, fans became hyper-focused on what these events would entail. In Ye’s Chicago events for Donda, the rapper worked with Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia in pairing a collection that coincided with his unreleased album. Together, Gvasalia’s eccentric visual art brought the West’s emotional music to life. Ye hosted the Chicago event in a red parka set and sheer balaclava that covered his face. Hiding his face is a form of protection from the audience, to block them from viewing too closely into his inner child; the last layer to keep some distance from his vulnerable self and the world. Featuring a set that recreates Ye’s childhood home, this immersive art exhibition displayed a feeling of the artist purifying his past. Integrating both art forms is how Ye can fully convey his story.
Image Courtesy: Billboard
Without the intersection of fashion and music, there wouldn’t be a way for artists to fully express themselves and their messages. You really can’t have one without the other, which not only highlights how they coexist as significant art forms but also illustrates how powerful and evocative an art piece can become when an artist masterfully weaves two modes together to design a fully immersive experience for their audiences. As both modes continue to influence one another, music and fashion serve as the core of the ever-evolving part of our cultural landscape.
Strike Out,
Author: Emily Montarroyos
Editor: Isabel Wilder
Tallahassee