A muse can be defined as a source of inspiration. In Greek and Roman mythology the term refers to each of Zeus’ nine daughters who preside over the arts and sciences. Thus it has come to take on the meaning of a women (usually) who is the source of inspiration for an artist. In the world of fashion, designers and photographers are artists, who must generate their art form in new and exciting ways each season. They are constantly looking for inspiration to guide them, and they often find it in those who embody their artistic vision. Some muses can be fleeting, coming and going with the changing fashion seasons. But some turn into long-term friendships and mutually beneficial working relationships. Here’s a look at some present influential fashion muses:
Tom Ford and Julianne Moore:
Tom Ford gathers inspiration from actress Julianne Moore on more than just his clothing designs. Moore has of course been known to don Ford’s designs at various events, but she has also worn Ford himself on her arm as a date to award shows! And when it came time to cast the female lead in his film A Single Man, Ford chose his muse and friend, Julianne Moore. He also had her walk in his ultra exclusive fashion show last year.
Marc Jacobs and Sofia Coppola:
Marc Jacobs has described director Sofia Coppola as young and sweet and innocent and beautiful¦the epitome of this girl I fantasize of. In 2002, Jacobs picked Coppola to appear, naked, in his campaign for his new fragrance Blush. So it’s only fitting that in 2004, when she won an Oscar for Lost in Translation, she wore a Marc Jacobs gown. The relationship between Jacobs and Coppola is definitely more than just a fleeting muse; one might call them best friends with (professional) benefits.
Karl Lagerfeld and Baptiste Giabiconi:
Baptiste Giabiconi has gone from model, to muse, to fiancé© of Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld. Ok so that last part is just a joke that is currently circulating the Internet, but wouldn’t that be the ultimate fashion fairytale romance? Giabiconi has been the male face of Chanel since Karl discovered him in 2008, and is now the one of the highest paid male models in the world. It definitely pays to be the muse of Karl Lagerfeld, and Gianiconi certainly shows us that not all muses are female.
Tommy Ton and Anna Dello Russo:
And not all of those in need of an inspirational muse are fashion designers. Take Tommy Ton for example “ blogger turned world-renowned fashion photographer “ who owes it all to his muse and obsession Anna Dello Russo. Her eccentric outfits, and the frequency at which she could change outfits with in the course of a day constantly wowed Ton. His vision is to have fun with fashion and Dello Russo does just that, and always to the extreme.
