NAVIGATION
100. What Is Good Fashion?
Assigning value to something that stems from in
dividual creativity is a very subjective thing when
the only criteria are the standards of the day. In
addition to being judged for its aesthetic value,
fashion is also charged with being functional. In
hindsight, it is easy to assess why some houses
endure, some make a brief but significant mark
at a singular point in ti me, and some fade from
memory. The third group, although it demands
greater effort, has the potential to reward us
with exciting discoveries. For instance, not many
people know that architect Frank Lloyd Wright
designed dresses for his wife and for a select few
of the ladies he created homes for. So, what type
of designer produces good, if not great, fashion?
The inventors, who introduce unprecedented
ideas-necessity often fuels these designers, as
they approach a design challenge using alter
native methods. The architects, who design
the buildings we inhabit-they will also look to
create a lifestyle around their vision to achieve
a comprehensive unity. The scholars, who are
the standard-bearers, serving and protecting the
art and craft of fashion-they immerse them
selves in the minutia of how others throughout
history have done it, and as a result, they keep
those practices alive. Without these stewards of
fashion, every generation of designers would be
starting from scratch. And finally, the rebels
whether we understand them or not we appreci
ate the iconoclasts because they have an impact
on our lives. Their imagination and passion for
the work is fueled by an unyielding need to pro
voke and challenge us. Alexander McQueen was
one of those bad boys of fashion who was known
for being true to his vision. He will be remem
bered for the power and purity of his work. In the
end, one word defines good fashion. Integrity.
204 Fashion Design Essentials
A model wearing a gown
from Alexander McQueen's
last collection during the
2010 CFDA Fashion Awards
at Alice Tu lly Hall at Lincoln
Center, 2010
