NEW YORK, February 13, 2012
Marc Jacobs showed Pilgrim shoes, and enormous fur hats, Dr Seuss' Cat in the Hat, and Oliver! circa 19th century London - Pop culture with historical references; something that has always been lacking in American runway fashion shows. Instead of celebrating our humanity; American fashion shows have historically tryed to deny what make us human; culture and tradition.
What is new is all that matters; out with the old; in with the new.etc. This mentality puts a premium for what is new and young; and totally discounts what is old. But what is old; is new. America is now reevaluating its disdain for the past; and everything retro is now suddenly popular.
Marc Jacobs understand the importance of historical precedence. How can you know who you are; if you don't know where you come from? Where your culture comes from? Who are you? These are big philosophical questions for a fashion runway show; but at least you can play with the themes and add depth and perspective to broaden your "look".
Marc Jacobs isn't concerned about whether anyone will wear these hats; it's theatre. Fashion is a parody according to Vivienne Westwood; and making a fashion statement is just as important as the actual clothes. Clothes in and of themselves are mundane and trivial. Looking at models just walking down a catwalk, wearing clothes fitted for the stage is boring, and sometimes hideous. Who cares? A designer should have imagination; he/she is just not a tailor, or stylist; he/she is a creative artist whose runway is his/her palette.
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