By Victoria Slagel, Fine Art Consultant

 

I’m constantly being asked in the gallery, “What makes art worthy of being good?” Of course there is the obvious explanation of composition, color choices, and complimentary imagery… but the real question that lingers, “What IS art?” While the masters of the old days would be turning in their grave over the blatant rule breaking with oils, acrylics, and other mixed media, the boundaries of what constitutes art are dissolving and the definition offers a broad variety for any overindulgent patron. Flipping through the fashion magazines as a teenager and exposing myself to Tim Walker, Mario Testino, and Patrick Demarchelier’s photography in VOGUE, I knew fashion was art.

There was no denying that the same loose artistic rules existed in each fold and hem; silk, satin, and lace donned chic waif models with elegant grace, I tore pages out and pinned them to my cork board as inspiration, and unbeknownst to me, an unintentional manifestation board. Fast-forward to the present, and I found myself wondering how to keep up appearances at work while complementing the amazing contemporary art work I represent. The world of fashion is inevitably fast paced and trends come and go with the drop of a new meme, I sought a different method of dressing in beautiful clothes while staying in integrity with sustainability.

That’s when Maren turned me onto Rent the Runway. You may have heard of this program through social media influencers or a trendy “city girl” friend may drop the #rtr hashtag on a new selfie, but let me go in depth. Yes, it is a fashion platform for sharing and renting endless labels from street wear to gowns, but it also offers community, sustainability, and a feeling of belonging to a sub culture of women that value variety without compromising integrity.

 

The subscription begins with options (a woman need options) based off your need or desire for trading out garments at your own pace. You are allowed 4 items at a time (unless you want more for an additional price) and let me tell you — there are thousands of dresses, skirts, blouses, cashmere sweaters, athletic wear, purses, sunglasses, and casual gowns (as I like to call them, since it’s fun to dress down a large silk poufy dress, Hello art!) With a bountiful array the possibilities are quite literally endless. Also, keep in mind, if you rent something and fall madly in love, you have the option to buy at a discounted price. Much like a high-end thrift store but test driving before deciding.

Not all are able to pick up a paint brush and create a master piece but everyone has a closet and places to go. However you express yourself creatively, make it fun, enjoyable, and keep in the mind, the only rules are the ones you impose on yourself. Check out Rent the Runway for yourself and see if it sparks joy.

If you are curious about becoming a renter or just want to see what the fuss is about, use this code for a discounted 50% offer on a 2 month trial. Let us know what you think! Art and fashion are always in style. Code: RTRFAM523D63F   

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: 2020 election, Abstract Art, All Saints, art, democracy, Fashion brands, fine art, Hunt Slonem, Maren Mullin, Mountain Town
Posted in Gallery Insights