Name : Cindy Cherya

Student ID : 017201800032
Subject : English

COULD FASHION BE REGARDED AS FINE ART?

Fine art is generally defined as art that has no practical function other than to be admired its
aesthetic value and emotional meaning. This condition distinguishes it from applied art. Some
people argue that fashion should be equated fine art. Others claim that fashion cannot be
likened to fine arts. This essay will explore both perspectives.
Some agree that fashion is fine art because it combines the same aspects of cultural reflection,
innovative design, self-expression and hard devotion. Carolina Herrera, a world-leading
fashion designer said, “The difference between fashion and art is that fashion is art in
movement”. Thus, the goal is same, the only thing that separates the two is that fashion is
able to turn art into living things.
Some insist fashion is not fine art as it was designed to be practical, mass-produced and for
commercial purposes. Rei Kawakubo, creative director of the high fashion label - Comme des
Garcons, said that fashion and art are incomparable because the two have different creation
goals. Fashion incorporates clear business value and a manifestation of the cost of goods,
evolving trends and branding approach in its industry, while art is purely created regardless
of its circumstances and social-economic value.
To conclude, there are many diverse opinions about whether fashion is considered fine art or
not. Some agree because they have a lot in common when compared to each other. Some
disagree because in terms of usability, they have clearly different functions, where art is
primarily used for artistic expression and fashion only for industrial purposes. For me, I will
categorize fashion as a form of art not in fine art but in applied art on the grounds that fashion
is deliberately made so that it can be used functionally and beautifully in everyday life.