Blurring the Line Between Fashion and Interiors

By: Stephanie Heucke – DAS Architects, Inc.

The lag between fashion and interior design trends is a thing of the past. What once took several years to translate from the runways to the spaces in which we live, work, and play is now happening almost simultaneously.

While it is still true that these shared trends tend to originate from the fashion shows of New York and Paris, there is far less of a disconnect than there has been in years past. Pantone’s “Color of the Year” and Sherwin Williams “Color Forecast” are able to make accurate predictions based off of tonal observations made in both of these industries, and both fashion and architectural and design magazines show spreads that bear striking similarities. Pieces from couture gowns to everyday wear use bold color, patterns, and embroidery to make a statement, while interior designers combine highly textured and patterned fabrics and unique furnishing selections to showcase a space. Fringe makes a comeback on the hems of skirts, and on the tasseled skirts of sofas. Designers encourage us to accessorize our wardrobes with metallic clutches and statement jewelry, while interior designers incorporate metallic finishes, fabrics, and accessory pieces into our homes, hotels, and restaurants.

Unique designers like Ralph Lauren have always been involved in both interiors and fashion, and it therefore should come as no surprise that their fashion and design collections show similarities. Fashion designers Calvin Klein and Tory Burch have also paired up with interior textile companies to release their own line of fabrics, which tend to share resemblances with their fashion collections. What is more surprising is how interior and product design companies who have traditionally had no ties to the fashion world are becoming more involved, and vice versa. The faucet company Brizo sponsors fashion designer’s shows at New York Fashion week, and in turn those designers’ fashions are used to complement products in Brizo’s advertisements. Italian fashion-house Missoni paired up with flooring company Bolon to create bold new flooring patterns that use interpretations of patterns from their own fashion collections, and has even explored ventures in the hotel and restaurant industries. The line between fashion and interiors is becoming blurred as designers from both disciplines draw inspiration from shared sources, explore new design methods, and allow their interests and curiosities to extend beyond their trade.

The blending of these industries makes sense. Fashion and interior design have more in common than we realize – not just in physical form, but in the roles that they play in our everyday life. We choose where and how we live, work, and play – and how we look while we do so. We dress our ourselves in a way which we feel reflects our individual personality, and we do the same for our personal spaces. We are drawn to designed spaces where we feel most comfortable, focused or stimulated, depending on our state of mind. Whether your interests lie in fashion or interior design, styles are now interchangeable, from season to season.