Visiting an art gallery is a like a licence to wear your most ostentatious, statement pieces to rival the exhibits.
Forget Monet, Picasso or Van Gogh, this season art is hanging in wardrobes rather than on walls – and visiting a gallery is the ideal place to exhibit them (read: show them off) to the max once lockdown rules are relaxed.
Designers like Rosie Assoulin, Valentino and Jacquemus have all splashed art-inspired prints across their collections for summer 2020 that not only pep up your closet but lift the mood. Plus, there’s something for every style palette, from muted watercolours to highlighter bright graffiti prints.
Here’s how to look like a walking masterpiece this Summer. Just don’t upstage the art.
For walking works of art, check out Rosie Assoulin’s painterly pieces. From graphic brushstrokes to abstract prints, the designer has checked off just about every medium of art in her collection. If you like the idea of floating your way around your favourite gallery, go for this scarf twill maxi. The random watercolour print is made for blending into gallery backdrops. Plus that in-built scarf gives the dress a cool art teacher vibe that we adore.
You don’t have to do pastels or prints to adopt the art style movement. Go for the tongue-in-cheek option with Bella Freud’s ‘Art Dealer’ slogan sweater. Sure to cause a stir as you’re perusing your favourite pieces, this is the pared-down way to do art enthusiast. Just add a pair of cool black spectacles to get that art dealer gaze on point. Contrast your black sweater with just one statement art-inspired accessory, like a pair of sculptural heels or graffiti bag.
If modern art isn’t your thing, you might just fall in love with Valentino’s distinctive print skirt. Featuring a 19th-century neoclassical sculpture print of two lovers kissing alongside roses and celestial imagery, it’s a collection-wide motif imagined by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Undercover’s Jun Takahashi. While the print is classical, the bold colourway keeps it fresh. Emulate the catwalk look by teaming it with matching blouse, or pare down with a plain crew-neck sweater in a neutral tone.
“The random watercolour print is made for blending into gallery backdrops. Plus that in-built scarf gives the dress a cool art teacher vibe that we adore.”
Staud’s signature Shirley tote has already become a bag classic – but we’ll take the fresh vacation version, please. With the exact same structured shape and distinctive square-shaped handles, it’s now been updated in a Majorca blue toile printed canvas for summer 2020. Too pretty for a beach bag, we’ll be keeping it at the ready for elevating city looks.
Nothing makes an artistic statement like a bright brushstroke pattern. Double the impact and make it a co-ord print for a style master stroke. The silhouettes may be classic but this matching Piazza Sempione paint print shirt and midi skirt feature a modern watercolour print in vivid blues and greens. Frame your painterly pair with heels to dress up for an exhibition opening, or go for the comfort option with white sneakers for back-to-back gallery hopping.
Pair with Piazza Sempione Paint print A-Line midi skirt, £190
Dress up with your best art-inspired pieces to visit the best virtual art exhibitions here
Forget the exhibits, Jacquemus’ sculptural heels are like mini works of art for your feet. Step onto shiny floor gallery territory with the satisfying clip-clop of these olive Maceio mules that feature ceramic, sculptural baubles on the heels and shimmering reversible sequins for extra appeal. While they’re all party at the back, the curved point-toe front and neutral green colourway makes them super-wearable teamed with cropped denim to show them off.
Like a signature on a painting, the finishing touch of any art-inspired outfit is your fragrance. The perfect art gallery scent should be clean and inspiring, but never distracting. As the name suggests, Roads Art Addict eau de parfum is inspired by the conceptual drive of the contemporary art world. Modern, eclectic and bursting with colour, the scent features fresh notes of orris root, crisp fruit, dewy greens and blooming florals. Spritz it to evoke memories of all your favourite art exhibitions.
Featured image: Mr Toledano
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