Masterpiece + Designer = Original Wedding Gown

Art and fashion often go hand in hand, each pulling inspiration from the other. Now more than ever, designers are delving into the library of masterpieces looking for fresh ideas to create something original. In this month’s issue of French Oui magazine, bridal designers presented their gowns based on a popular artist. Most of the dresses are spot on with their inspirational paintings. Others are a bit of a stretch. But they all are unique!

An Impressionist painter, Edgar Degas (b.1834-d.1917) painted outside of his studio searching for the effects of natural light, realism, and movement. Some of Degas’ best known works are of ballet dancers preparing for and during a show.

Using Degas’s ballet paintings, Nathalie Durieux designed this taffeta dress with a blue satin ribbon.

Claude Monet (b.1840-d.1926) began to experiment with the effects of natural light. In 1883, he rented and later purchased his house at Giverny. He spent the next forty-five years designing and painting his gardens. The Gardens at Giverny are some of the most beautiful in the world. Monet’s painting above is called “Poppies near Argenteuil.”

Inspired by Monet’s red poppies, Julien Thomas has created this organza wedding dress with hand-painted flowers.

Jacques-Louis David (b.1784-d.1825) was an artist and one time director of art during the French Revolution. His paintings were characterized by heroic and classical themes. This painting entitled “Madame Recaimer,” done in 1800, was of a young and beautiful socialite at the time.

Olivier Freine designed this lovely white gorgette dress based on David’s painting.

Jean-Honore Fragonard (b.1784-d.1825) showed early talent in art and pursued it with passion. Wealthy patrons encouraged him to paint scenes of lavish lifestyles and frivolity such as “The Swing” above. It’s interesting to note that soon after the exhibit of such works, the French Revolution began. This war caused major social and political upheaval with peasants pitted against their rich landlords.

Having Fragonard’s painting has her muse, designer Ana Quasoar created this two piece ensemble. It’s made up of a rose-colored satin bodice and a chiffon skirt.

John William Waterhouse was born in Rome in 1849 to artistic parents. Their influence led him to pursue a life of painting. His early works were of Italian themes and scenery. Later he focused on works based on classical mythology and English poetry. Waterhouse painted “The Lady of Shalott” in 1888 inspired by Alfred Tennyson‘s poem of the same name.

In the spirit of “The Lady of Shalott,” Monique Germain made this beautifully draped silk dress.

Alfons Mucha was born in 1860 in what is now the Czech Republic. He followed his dream of joining the Parisian art community only to become penniless until he was asked to create a poster for a play that starred Sarah Bernhardt. This painting, called “The Seasons” depicting the seasons as women, revealed a new way of painting that met with great critical acclaim.

Atelier Manon Pascual captures Mucha’s painting in this lovely blue layered wedding dress.

Coming from a wealthy family Edouard Manet(b.1832-d.1883) didn’t need to earn a living from his paintings. Nevertheless he poured himself into his work and created wonderfully realistic art. Thus he was known as a “Realist Painter.” Sadly, his paintings met with little recognition until late in his life. His friend and fellow painter Paul Gauguin said of him, “Painting began with Manet.”

This model could easily be sitting with the family in Manet’s portrait. Her dress is designed by Perry Ah Why.

Tiziano Vecellio aka Titien was born in 1490 near Venice, Italy. He was a talented Renaissance artist who later became Venice’s official court portrait painter. This painting was done for Nicholas and Laura Bagarotto Aureli’s wedding day.

Looking at Titien’s works, creators Costantino & Ravaillac designed this taffeta dress.