Decorate Your House with Fashion and Jewelry
Ever since I spotted Schiaparelli’s luxurious aviator eyeglasses on Instagram last year, I can't stop thinking about them. Their surreal design and Dadaist appeal captivate me, and like a magpie attracted to shiny things, I can't resist the temptation to own a pair of those Swarovski-encrusted finger bijoux too. However, I doubt that I would ever wear them since I am not a fashion enthusiast or a daring dresser. Nonetheless, I can envision them being displayed as part of a coffee table decoration, perched on top of a stack of books or positioned amid a collection of quirky vases on a sideboard.
Certain fashion and jewelry items not only make a fashion statement, but also showcase exceptional craftsmanship or clever interpretations of the designer’s perspective and worldview. They can elicit a reaction of admiration and appreciation similar to that of great art and design. As a result, there's no reason why we shouldn't treat them as such.
By treating fashion as an art form, a plethora of interior design options becomes available, enabling you to give your home a stylish makeover.
Frame the Flat Stuff
Scarves can be considered as works of art, especially when they have unique prints on them. These could be vintage pieces from high-end brands like Hermès, or contemporary designs by emerging designers. Apart from using them as accessories, silk scarves can also be framed and hung on walls as art pieces. It's possible to do this yourself with a square frame, a garment steamer, and some patience, but for more valuable pieces, it's best to seek the services of a professional picture framer.
In addition to scarves, other textile garments can also be framed for display. Sports enthusiasts are well-versed in the art of framing jerseys, but you can use their methods to showcase a vintage Comme des Garçons shirt or other pieces of clothing. T-shirts can be folded over a sturdy backing or displayed in a deep frame using cardboard and clever pin placements. You can also find a range of shirt display cases on sale on Amazon, such as Umbra's T-shaped versions.
Treat Accessories as Artwork
The idea here is to treat fashion accessories like shoes and handbags as pieces of art that can be displayed in your home. Rather than hiding them away in a closet, showcase them on a mantelpiece or bookshelf alongside other decorative objects. You can also elevate them further by mounting them on display stands or placing them in clear display cases. For example, a stainless-steel shoe stand or custom-fit handbag display can be used to highlight your favorite items. By treating your accessories as works of art, you can add a stylish and unique touch to your home decor.
When exhibited atop one of those glass heads (or a less frightening wooden counterpart), elaborate headpieces, such as the quirky fascinators by British hat designer Philip Treacy, seem almost like ikebana arrangements—with the added benefit of never wilting. Similarly, the metal display stands that are commonly used to present tribal jewellery of dubious origin work just as well for a striking contemporary item, such as Proenza Schouler's wacky rope-and-stone necklaces.
Keep a look out for fashion-furniture collaborations.
As designers transfer their signature styles from the catwalk to the living room, the worlds of fashion and furniture merge. Fendi and Missoni have long been known as homeware businesses, but practically every salone sees a new fashion house introduce a furniture or home accessories line.
Gucci's nostalgia-tinged patterns are now translated into jacquard-woven room dividers and velvet recliners embroidered with its characteristic tiger motifs. Louis Vuitton collaborates with interior designers for limited-edition furniture pieces for its yearly Objets Nomades collection (I'm particularly fond of this furry number made in collaboration with London-based design duo Raw Edges), and you can dress your living room like an über-stylish Italian donna with Marni's kaleidoscopic woven PVC baskets, chairs, and cushion covers.
