French Vogue must have read my mind because I have been longing for a fashion editorial that combines urban art with haute couture. By far, I am not a fashion expert; this may have been visited before. Outside the world of print, Louis Vuitton launched the Stephen Sprouse retrospective, paying tribute to his iconic graffiti prints. And a number of designers reference street culture in their collections, merging pop motifs with downtown chic. However, French Vogue’s November issue is one of the most bold spreads presented thus far. Titled “Graff- Couture,” two different lifestyles intersect where colorful graffiti murals are juxtaposed against clean, glammed up designs, featuring styles from Givenchy, Atelier Versace, Dior and Valentino.

Graff artist KAWS was invited by named photographer Mario Sorrenti to illustrate tags, pieces and lettering as a backdrop to the  exclusive, Parisian community of haute couture. Interestingly, the two came together quite organically- while ’street’ culture is known for its gritty realities of, well, street life and ‘high-end’ fashion is recognized for its superficial givings, the dichotomous worlds melded together beautifully. Goes to show you- sometimes, opposites do attract.

via Sarah Wolfson, 30 October 2009 8:00am | 2 |