When art and fashion run away together, CoSTUME NATIONAL is the destination

CoSTUME NATIONAL has gained a reputation of being a fashion label doomed to artistic collaboration. Bless their designer souls.

The latest of such endeavours is currently on exhibit at the flagship store in NYC, featuring multimedia installation pieces from various artists including James Franco (yes, James Franco), Aaron Young, Daniel Firman, Frederic Beigbeder, and Tobias Wong. Titled New No Dark Wave, curator Natacha Polaert took inspiration from Ennio Capasa's Fall 2012 collection to transform the retail space into what an editorial fashion magazine might look like in 3D: writing, culture and fashion, included. The collective dimensions of the show reflect an overall edgy, black and white perfection fit with themes of the past and the ensuing perceptions and appearances that come with time.

These sorts of collaborations in which versatility and variety run the game push us to move past stereotypical and superficial definitions of fashion and art. We also find that within these pockets of collective effort, our imaginations cannot fully picture the exciting changes that will occur as a result of their mutual involvement. Perhaps this new question is on the brink of discussion: is this art, fashion?

No New Dark Wave will be up until October 10th at CoSTUME NATIONAL at 150 Greene Street in Manhattan.