The Namahh Edit

Many of us have seen images from a fashion show and thought what the hell is that? Who in their right mind would wear such an outfit? And furthermore, who’s the designer behind such zany creations? 

In fashion, such designs are called avant-garde. If you had to describe these designs, you might call them outrageous, extreme, crazy, edgy, weird, or, in less harsh terms, different or unique. These are clearly not clothes that one would normally wear. It is artisanal fashion. They are created to be preserved. Just like other art pieces, avant-garde outfits are either kept in museums or purchased by avid collectors.

If you pause for a moment and look beyond the design, you might start thinking about the designer’s thought process behind creating that outfit. What compelled the artist to create something so out of the ordinary? One might say quick publicity. But, more often than not, there’s a message that the designer is trying to convey. 

Avant-garde fashion is not for mass appeal. It is created to push the boundaries of conventional taste and defy traditional aesthetics. Avant-garde art is considered to be ahead of its time; it’s forward-thinking and progressive. Historically, many artists have created various works of art in the form of paintings, books, sculptures, etc, that oppose the conformist values of the mainstream society of the time. 

People who fail to understand such art often dismiss it as weird, unacceptable, or scandalous. But that’s the point; it is meant to be scandalous in a way that challenges mainstream ideals. Some would contend that the goal of avant-garde fashion is to grab attention or create a shock value. However, on the contrary, avant-garde fashion offers a sense of independence to people who feel confined by societal expectations. It inspires people to own their individuality, take pride in their quirks, and be who they are unapologetically.

Artisanal fashion can essentially be broken down into two parts – the message and the process. The artist takes a concept and exaggerates it to make a point. In every piece of avant-garde art form that you see, there’s a complex thought process that goes into its creation. So, in the end, you either admire the process of creation or the message that is being conveyed. 

Avant-garde fashion encourages us to envision a world in which creativity is unrestricted and individuality is valued as the highest form of self-expression. Hence, the next time you come across an audacious avant-garde masterpiece, remember that its goal is not just to decorate the body but also to inspire the hearts and minds of everyone who sees it.