I like fashion, for which I have officially joined the ranks of the frivolous as far as many serious professionals are concerned. That I like clothes is no secret to those who know me, but couture is not a subject frequently discussed by the intellectual elite. In my opinion, however, fashion has much in common with architecture and the fine arts.

Scientists estimate our ancestors started wearing clothes around 100,000 BC from the evidence of body lice on humans. The fur from hunted animals was used to cover the body and served as functional shelter from the elements.

Archaeological findings reveal that textiles and needles dating from prehistoric times, which were likely used to manufacture clothing. Depictions abound of uniformity in dress, which implies mass production, but clothing has and continues to be used as a sign of hierarchy, class and distinction and has a language of it’s own to the present day.

A reconstruction in the British Museum of headgear and necklaces worn by women in some Sumerian graves. Versions of both are worn to this day, sans daffodils.

A detail of the Coronation of Napoleon as depicted by Jacques-Louis David. This Emperor certainly knew how to wear his clothes!

Wasn’t it Madonna who started the notion that “underwear is outwear?” This particular iteration, however, is often attributed to prisons, but for all I know it’s an urban myth.

The fine arts, which include Architecture, in part represent the zeitgeist, or the spirit of the times. I think that few would contend that fashion, or the prevalent style of clothing of an era does not contribute.

Ancient Greek Sculpture, to which is attributed the first depiction of figures in movement, is also credited for the the first realistic depiction of draping, as in, what the figure is wearing.

This is a detail from a parapet of the temple of Athena Nike in Athens, where the goddess is adjusting her sandals. The mastery of the carving recreates draping so thin it reveals the contours of the body. Remember Elizabeth Taylor in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof? The Greek Goddess dress she wore for most of the movie was no coincidence. It was chosen for what it represented.

Architecture is of its time. Some of it transcends the test of time and is passed down through the ages, but when recreating images of the past, the people and their style of dress is of the essence, which is one of the reasons why depictions of time travel are so much fun because the people are wearing clothes from another era.

In my architectural design work I address issues of structure, form,  function, materials, proportion, details, balance, hierarchy and many others as they relate to the creation of space. These same concepts apply to the design of a garment, the difference being the end result.

The fashion industry is huge and visions of what we should aspire to look like flash before our eyes constantly. I’d like to see a similar emphasis on architectural design as far as depicting a built environment that is likely within our means to produce.