From glass-stained roman churches to cutting-edge skyscrapers, fashion designers often take inspiration from architecture. Join us as we explore the correlation and fascination between fashion and architecture. By-Mughni Che Din. 

Mademoiselle Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is architecture, it’s all about proportion.” This sentiment still rings true to the world of fashion and this principal has been referenced by numerous designers and style mavens over the years.

But are there correlations between fashion and architecture? And if so, what happens when these two worlds collide? 

In theory, architecture produces inhabitable art, while fashion gives us wearable art. Despite the differences between these two creative fields, there are certain aspects where they are interrelated.

Left photo: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring/Summer ‘07

Louis Vuitton Cruise ’20 was inspired by the New York Chrysler building

Firstly, the interplay between fashion and architecture can be defined at the very core of both creative practice— which is problem solving. Historically speaking, the evolution of the human race has always been about progress, and with progress comes change. Ever wondered why architectural buildings and fashion changes over a period of time? It is a reflection of our progress as human beings as a society; and designs from both creative fields serves a specific purpose to our existence.

Moreover, both fashion and architecture share similar principles of “Design” and “Creativity”. Architecture and fashion can be art it usually comes with design which usually follows with function. Buildings shows how fashion and architecture are in fact able of enhancing each other's quality of life; Architecture and fashion's shared common principle of space, structure, and work of art means the two forms have a mutual common creative ground as a starting point for societal advances.

The relationship between architecture and fashion design is not something out of the mind and imaginary. Fashion Industry giants like Raf Simons, Tom Ford, Gianni Versace, Gianfranco Ferré and the late Pierre Balmain have an architectural background. Balmain has even said  “dressmaking is the architecture of movement” while injecting architectural elements into his design.

From left: Raf Simons, Tom Ford, Gianfranco Ferré. 

Fast forward to today, fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Balenciaga, have infused distinct architectural influences in their collections. Whether referencing the contemporary work of Frank Gehry for Louis Vuitton or the delicate details of Arabesque architecture for Chloé, each designer interprets their architectural inspiration to meet their individual style.

Here, we speak to the creative director of A-JANE as she shares some of her thoughts on the interrelation between fashion and architecture:

1.  Apart from Neue Musik, A-JANE’s designs are also influenced by architecture. How do you incorporate these two worlds into your creations?  

• “When it comes to my design aesthetic, I immerse myself in the principles of abstract music and art, which manifests into elements such as disproportionate shapes, lines and colour, which when combined can be very complex in nature and juxtapose the elements of modern architecture such as simplicity, minimalism and strong geometric forms.”“The measurements or proportions are so important to create quality designs, just like how musicians play with the intervals in music to create interesting melodies or chords. Form and function - this is a basic structural element of a music composition as well as in architecture.”
• “A-JANE’s creations emphasizes on the “No Repetition” concept, a method often applied in my music compositions, and now also in my fashion designs such as in pleats, ruffles, layers to create a 3D effect which incorporate to the modern architectural look.”

2.   Is there a specific architectural style of the moment that inspires your design? 

Minimalistic modern architecture inspires me with its clean lines/aesthetic, modern construction, intentionally asymmetric and shapes, and experimentation with new materials.

From left: A-JANE creation from Perception collection and futuristic home designed by Zaha Hadid

3. If you could collaborate with any famous architect, who would it be and why? 

 If I was given such opportunity, I would collaborate with the “Queen of Curves” Zaha Hadid herself. I love how she incorporates bold shapes in her architectural designs—giving the impression of movements— which is something that I try to instil in my designs.

Sinuatrix co-ords from AMAP Opus 1 and Galaxy Soho by Zaha Hadid