Need Fashion Inspo? Visit Your Nearest Art Muesuem
Written by Leila Lanovici
Every so often, we all fall into the formidable fashion rut. Speaking from experience, there are days when my wardrobe is dreadfully unappealing to me and I feel the urgent need to zhuzh it up. Whether this feeling comes from boredom or outfit repetition, typically exacerbated by a smaller college closet, it can make your next fit check feel impossible.
In moments like these, leave it to the professionals to be your fashion guides. Next time you feel in need of some fashion inspo, take a trip to your nearest art museum. Why not leave it to the color, texture, and pattern visionaries when building your next look? There’s a reason why fashion intersects with art, so lean into that relationship to truly tap into your most creative and unique self. Plus, going to a museum is a great way to boost your status as a mysterious It-girl. Brain stimulation, fashion inspiration, and cool-girl standing – what else could you ask for?
I recently paid a visit to UW-Madison’s very own art museum, the Chazen Museum of Art, to practice this exercise myself. From the Chazen’s collection, I extracted ideas on color theory and pattern and print mixing to rework my wardrobe like a pro. Below are four outcomes of my visit, using pieces from the Chazen’s collection to inspire my next outfit creations.
The Colonnade at Versailles
Giovanni Boldini, The Colonnade at Versailles (La Colonnade à Versailles), ca. 1890-1900, oil on canvas, Chazen Museum of Art, Gift of Nathan Cummings, 59.2.1
Three things emerge from Giovanni Boldini’s The Colonnade at Versailles. The first is that all shades of blue bring stability to an outfit. Blue is a classic staple. You can never go wrong with a pair of blue jeans or denim jacket. Even opting for a denim-on-denim moment is totally on brand with the current trends. The second element I took away from The Colonnade is the effectiveness of a red accent, especially in the colder months. Pair a blue-heavy outfit with a red belt, scarf, bag, shoe, or jewelry piece and you’ll have created that perfect fall look. Lastly, when in doubt, bring in brown. Brown adds a sophisticated yet organic quality to an outfit, and in the case of Boldini’s painting, literally grounds the work. I would argue the same effects are produced in fashion. This color combination – blue, red, and brown – gives you endless options to mix and match in the fall and winter months.
2. Montenegro ll, from the Brazilian Series
Frank Stella, Montenegro II, from the Brazilian series, 1975, mixed media on etched aluminum, Chazen Museum of Art, Gift of Willy Haeberli in memory of his wife Gabriele Haberland, 2022.24.2
The first thing that came to mind when I saw Frank Stella’s Montenegro II, from the Brazilian series was the relevance of scarf season, especially the rainbow plaid. I see this scarf everywhere; it’s monopolizing street fashion, and for good reason. It’s a great winter accessory to energize a neutral outfit. Similarly, a playful midi skirt can bring the same basic outfit to life. When paired with a plain top and a classy shoe, you’ll be dressed to impress.
3. Nehoc (left) and Untitled
John Chamberlain, Nehoc, 1962, steel, chromed steel, and paint, Chazen Museum of Art, Terese and Alvin S. Lane Collection, 2012.54.10.5
John Chamberlain, Untitled, 1958, oil on paper, Chazen Museum of Art, Terese and Alvin S. Lane Collection, 2012.54.10.2
Both of these pieces, Nehoc and Untitled, by John Chamberlain are the epitome of color synergy. In this art, he marries blue and yellow and makes a delicious case for their coexistence. Next time you want to spice up a denim look, try a dash of yellow and see what happens (hint: it’s magical). The other thing I love about Nehoc specifically is the use of steel. I may be biased as a silver girl, but there’s nothing that scratches my brain more than an accent of chrome. And fear not: while silver may seem intimidating to style, it's actually incredibly versatile and works with most colors. So go get that pair of metallic sneaks!
4. Rao Raja Budh Singh of Bundi on Horseback
Indian (Marwar), Rao Raja Budh Singh of Bundi on Horseback, late 18th century, opaque watercolor and gold on paper, Chazen Museum of Art, Bequest of Jane Werner Watson, 2005.1.1
Rao Raja Budh Singh of Bundi on Horseback makes one thing very clear: green and pink are made for each other. Trust the color wheel on this one and create a funky, fashionable look with colors from this artist’s watercolor painting. The inclusion of pattern in this piece enhances its visual appeal which happens to also be the secret ingredient to creating a cool outfit. This fall season, I urge you to complement your basics with pattern and print, and get creative with pops of color, whenever possible.
For more information on the Chazen’s collection visit https://chazen.wisc.edu/.
Edited by Ana Massoglia and Gabi Beard
