If Oscar Wilde Has Modern Closet
Oscar Wilde’s work opened the era of sentimental aestheticism; meanwhile, he was also a fashion icon of his time. It is thus not difficult for me to imagine him as an elegant and trendy person if he lives to the 21st century.
By means of asymmetrical cut, particularly for the design of coats, I envision my collection of men’s wear to reflect the sharp contrast between Wilde’s audacious youth and his lonely last hours. In addition, lace and silk blouses resemble the retro and luxurious style of his time. To summarize the main concept of my men’s wear design is a reflection of Oscar Wilde; his rebellious personality, elegance, and everlasting passion for art and fashion.The asymmetrical cut of the coat with the left, which is of longer hemline, crossing over the central line toward the right reflects the man that inspired my design. This man loves fashion and longs for uniqueness; he is proud and eccentric. The patchwork of the scarf (I cut the fabric into pieces and sewed them back together) decorated with lace and fringe resembles his glamorous yet fragile beauty. Oscar Wilde is that man. Despite excelled in his time, Wilde did not escape from a lonely death far away from home. “Nothing gold can stay” (Frost, 1923).
I owed my inspiration to Oscar Wilde who once said ”I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works.” Yes, he is not just a talented writer but also a unique person who lives by his own fashion and life style. People might think of him as self-indulgent, but I see an honest man who is faithful to himself, and wears what he loves regardless of what others might say. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” (Oscar Wilde).
The talented are often lonely. I asked the model to stand in the luxurious but empty room with only his shadow to keep him a company, just as Oscar Wilde’s lonely last moments, with only one friend by his side. The elements of military coat symbolize the way talented people disguise themselves, pretending to be tough. Meanwhile, the match of silk blouse with patterned lace print, and the asymmetrical cut soften the stiffness of military coat and bring forth the two sides of most talented people; that is, under the disguise of bold and glamorous appearance often lies a fragile and lonesome heart.
