See the Art, Be the Art: Let Paintings Inspire You While Getting Dressed

This article is part of our Spring/Summer 2020 print issue. See the full, digital version of the issue here.

Photography by Olivia Parks featuring model Allie Massello.

Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” brings to life the sophistication and grandeur that comes with being seated at a restaurant in France along the Seine. On a spring day in the company of close friends, one would want to dress up for the occasion properly in regards to class and status. According to Renoir, there was a diverse showing of classes at the Chateau, accentuating inclusivity despite status. Attendees put time into their appearance for the outing to this social hot spot. For this look, a white dress with large, sheer puff sleeves perfectly fit the scene. The convergence of old-time glam and the hint of modernity in the transparent heel and sleeve is what makes this look unique.

Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol

Unique in style, repetition and dimension, Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” is an iconic piece of pop art. To transform this look into streetwear, the clothing pulls several colors from the piece—white, black, red and hints of beige and gold. To mimic the quirky nature of the soup cans, we followed Warhol’s lead and took a traditional look but gave it flare. To make the outfit edgy, each article of clothing represents the color palette and brings an eccentric aspect to the look. These carefully selected elements harmonize to bring Warhol’s piece to life: cat eye sunglasses, a one-shoulder red bodysuit, leather baggy belted shorts and white block heels.

The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

The denim pieces chosen for this outfit reflect the blue hues that Van Gogh incorporated in “The Starry Night.” The star jacket was simply a play on the title, while the asymmetrical skirt adds an edge to the look to represent Van Gogh’s non-traditional artistry. Around the time he created “The Starry Night,” Van Gogh’s depression peaked while trapped in an asylum suffering from hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, which generated a shift in the tone of his work. In this piece, the sky is outlined in black and surrounded by dark colors, highlighting it as the focal point. Similar to the sky, denim is very subjective; depending on your vantage point, the sky can look different. While being a wardrobe staple, we each envision something slightly different when we think of the material. For some, a classic jean could be a dark wash skinny, while for others it’s a distressed boyfriend fit. This variability in perception was the inspiration behind curating a look that mirrors Van Gogh’s work.

Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” is a depiction of an all-night diner on the streets of New York City. It’s an eerie, mysterious representation of three strangers meeting with fluorescent lights illuminating the scene and no sign of an entrance to the restaurant. What’s better than a day-to-night work look to capture Hopper’s vision peering into the brightly lit restaurant at night? Picture this: You are finishing up a long day at the office and you stop into a nearly empty restaurant in the village. You trade in your black slacks for a black and white denim mini skirt. This chic look with black boots and sunglasses represents the sleek, dark nature of the piece, while the addition of a collared shirt with a statement sleeve epitomizes the contemporary working woman.