fashion, art, design

This week I was asked whether I had consulted WGSN about the design of my ties this week, I hadn't.  I justified this by explaining that my designs are based on a concept and that I am not making a 'fashion' item.  This set me off thinking about the distinctions between textile design, fashion and fine art.  For the final show I am planning to hang twenty five ties - each designed within the notion of feminism and communication technology (elecronic imagery) plus text.  If my work had been made under the heading of fine art it would have been a sort of installation, if it had been fashion it would have been a collection (with consideration given to fashion forecasters), however - it is textile design. I put in mind of this quotation 'It is my personal opinion that fabric design rightfully belongs in the category of the Fine Arts, ...as an art, it is just as important as good architecture, and certainly is more closely associated with out everyday living thatn are paintings.' Ruth Reeves, 1946 (quoted in Raynor, Chamberlain & Stapleton (2012), Textile Design Artists' Textiles 1940-1976,Antinques Collectors' Club Ltd, Woodbridge, UK.

I have made some changes to my designs (colour and scale)and had them digitally reprinted on silk twill, wool twill and juniper linen.