The Model as the m u s e !

Do models influence fashion...?

Yesterday, when on the train travelling to London I was happily passing the time reading my favorite fashion bible.... a.k.a Vogue when I came across the article, "Role Models."

I was intrigued as I often think about which fashion icons influence us in our every day life but who actually steers the designers and dream makers of fashion? The idea of a fashion "muse" is not something that has only recently come to light. Designers have had muses for years and although now the term is used loosely and the definition slightly blurred, a muse should inspire, suggest and encourage in order to get the best possible work out of the designer.

The article was written by Amanda Harlech (previously a muse herself to John Galliano and now an established novelist) and explored the idea of models embodying fashion and therefore inspiring and channeling ultimately great ideas to other creative minds.




So designers seek inspiration from people too? The relationship between model and designer is something that fascinates me and Amanda Harlech, because of her undeniable fashion knowledge understands this perfectly.

"The model is the muse, but she is not simply the incarnation of a designers imagining. When she steps into the studio for her fitting, she brings something of herself to the collection, the way she moves, the way she interprets the designers vibe. Somehow, she can light up what fashion is all about to become and manage to keep on anticipating the next thing."

A muse, therefore I understand to be someone who possesses a great sense of personal style, a quiet confidence in their own identity and always one step ahead in the fashion stakes.

Some of the best models and actresses have went on to become a designers muse. Audrey Hepburn became the muse of Givency and is now an iconic figure and the epitome of elegance and grace... think Breakfast at Tiffany's esque!! She inspired and collaborated with Givency in designing all the costumes for her films, thus catapulting her into fashion royalty.

Contemporary fashion icons today such as Kate Moss, Stella Tenant and more recently Agyness Deyn have been the stimulation and motivation for many of Karl Lagerfelds latest creations. These muses, in the designers eye, embody their ideal woman onto which they can project there ideas, dreams and vision.

A muse: Overused, overatted word now used far too often in the media to describe a party loving socialite with more money than sense? (cough* Ms Hilton *cough!)

OR....

A man/woman who embodies fashion in every sense of the word and acts as a wall in which designers can bounce there ideas off in an electrifying and transfixing way??

*** Taking clothes into new territory and breaking down those boundaries ... all hail our 21st Century fashion muses!!!!! *** :)