kowtow & eco-friendly minimalism

It seems that sustainable is the phrase that pays right now, jumping right in next to eco-friendly, green, and fair trade; which is by no means a bad trend in my book. Headlining the trend in the fashion world is the brand kowtow; favoring masculine silhouettes, a minimalist aesthetic, and a commitment to fair trade and organic fabric. Though pricey, as most fashion is, the appeal is undeniable. The pieces are crisp, and the line is altogether, almost architectural and certainly very modern in its trend towards minimal adornment, a generally monochromatic palette, and clean patterns.

A question was recently brought up in one of my classes: "What is the difference between architecture and fashion?" In a broad sense, there is no difference. Both are focused around the relationship of the human body and its environment, and do so in many of the same ways. Architecture and fashion are essentially both forms of shelter, and are tailored to the proportions and functions of the human body. Why then, do we view both as so unrelated from one another?

Just something to chew on.