Words by Celia-Jane Ukwenya

The Spring/Summer catwalks saw a number of designers airing illustrative and artistic references. Some opted for a romantic approach with soft and illustrative water colour prints like the delicate line drawings at Jil Sander. Others chose the more surreal approach with optical illusions by way of trompe l’oeil pieces at Frankie Morello and D&G. Meanwhile, abstract expressionism in the way of Jackson Pollock-like paint splatters were apparent at Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Moschino. Bernhard Willhelm even went as far as presenting models on the runway sporting paint splashed faces and armed with paintbrushes, with some evidently expressing themselves (in the background), thrashing away on a canvas and easel.

Blue poles by Jackson Pollock

This leads me on to ask several questions: Is fashion art? Are we, as consumers, therefore buying into art? Are the designers themselves the artist? Or are we the artist for buying into fashion? (read: blah-blah-blah). The debate continues and I am not entirely sure I actually care. So, in the meantime, while the fashion/art mediation forges ahead, go and buy these:

1- Alexander McQueen paint effect sneakers

£315 from Alexander McQueen online store

Get the authentic worn-in look to a brand new pair of sneakers. A key look in the SS10 McQueen collection.

2- Jil Sander face print cardigan

£440 from Matches

3- Paul Smith painted bib tee shirt

£125 from Harvey Nichols.

4- Alexander McQueen paint splashed denim shorts

£360 from Matches.

It may be too cold to rock the bare legs, so try these with some black meggings.

5- Asos crayon illustration tee shirt

£10 from Asos.

An easy injection of this trend into your wardrobe.

6- Frankie Morello tromp l’oeil sweater

(email here for stockist) Sartorial and fun.

7- Lanvin doodle print tee shirt

£115 from Harvey Nichols.

Pledge your loyalty to your favourite brand; say it loud and say it proud.

8- D&G trompe l’oeil sweater

£369 from Harrods.

Effectively if you buy this you are getting 3 items (denim jacket, plaid shirt and tee shirt)… A bargain at £369.

9- Vintage Christian Dior tailcoat with paint splatter

£120 from Rokit.

Dress up any outfit immediately in this statement coat.

10- Iron on transfers

£6.99 from Urban Outfitters.

If all these have got your creative juices flowing, why not make your own print yourself? I don’t know about you but I can only see this as a blatant invite for me on a rainy Saturday afternoon to get the old acrylic paints out and let loose all over a pair of jeans/blazer/tee shirt/boots (delete as appropriate)!

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