High fashion as contemporary art : a study on intention, context and artistic value
Hannelin, Halla (2026)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604085812
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604085812
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to examine the relationship and parallels between fine art and high fashion, as well as to determine whether fashion could generally be considered a form of contemporary art. The study was qualitative and exploratory in nature, combining theoretical analysis with interpretive examination of selected case studies from fashion and art history. In addition to theoretical and visual analysis, the thesis included an artistic component in which conceptual fashion editorial was produced and presented within a gallery context as part of the research process.
The research indicated that intention, narrative, and context were central in determining whether fashion functioned as an artistic practice. The analysis showed that high fashion frequently employed mechanisms commonly associated with contemporary art, such as symbolism, storytelling, provocation, emotional expression, and conceptual framing. These elements were identified as key in shaping how fashion was interpreted beyond its commercial and utilitarian function.
Based on the findings, the study concluded that high fashion can be understood as a legitimate form of contemporary artistic expression when created and framed with artistic intention. The results suggested that the boundary between art and fashion was not fixed, but rather fluid and context-dependent, shaped by narrative, presentation, and interpretation. In this sense, when fashion was practiced under these parameters, it was shown to operate in close relation with art, functioning less as parallel fields and more as overlapping practices.
The research indicated that intention, narrative, and context were central in determining whether fashion functioned as an artistic practice. The analysis showed that high fashion frequently employed mechanisms commonly associated with contemporary art, such as symbolism, storytelling, provocation, emotional expression, and conceptual framing. These elements were identified as key in shaping how fashion was interpreted beyond its commercial and utilitarian function.
Based on the findings, the study concluded that high fashion can be understood as a legitimate form of contemporary artistic expression when created and framed with artistic intention. The results suggested that the boundary between art and fashion was not fixed, but rather fluid and context-dependent, shaped by narrative, presentation, and interpretation. In this sense, when fashion was practiced under these parameters, it was shown to operate in close relation with art, functioning less as parallel fields and more as overlapping practices.