THE CORRUPTION OF QUALITY
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In this article we explore the true nature of a work of art, its relationship with quality, and what elements contribute to this concept of quality.
To arrive at a comprehensive definition of art is burdensome. The Oxford Dictionary defines art as “the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or sculpture.” A pair of socks from Walmart was certainly conceived in the imagination of some product designer, and while it may not be expressed through painting, drawing, or sculpture, it is still expressed and birthed as a tangible object. Is it art? Tricky, right? Just consider Duchamp’s “Fountain.” Seen by many as a defining work of the 20th century and others as pure nonsense, its status as art has created significant debate to this day. While we at Mesciu Gigi do not claim any exhaustive definition of art, there are a few values that we hold to be indispensable to our artistic process. One such component is the art of quality. While fashion is an expression of a designer’s artistic vision, it is also a form of expression for the consumer. Moreover, it is a vehicle for comfort and a channel for daily utilization and convenience. For that reason, quality is paramount. In order for the client to fully experience the beauty and art of sartorial menswear, the quality can never be compromised.
The importance of quality and fabrics is centuries old. Linen, made from fibers of the abundant flax plant, has been used by ancient civilizations all over the world (AATTC). Many fabrics excavated from ancient Egyptian civilizations were made of linen materials and it remains one of the most durable materials, hence its popular use today. Wool, similarly, possesses an impressive array of comfort, reliability, and durability. Not only is it extremely warm and comfortable, but it’s also lightweight, breathable, absorbent, and wrinkle resistant. And while both wool and linen are still used by some present-day companies, most modern materials cannot parallel these fabrics’ comfort and reliability.
With the rise of fast fashion, the standard of quality has vastly diminished. Fast fashion clothing relies heavily on cheap fabrics that cannot be trusted to hold together over multiple wears. And while fast fashion companies like H&M and Zara are responsible for much of the corruption of quality and durability, major fashion houses are beginning to participate in the bastardization of basic garments like t-shirts and hoodies. Once a staple for the democratized wardrobe, houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are selling these cotton garments for upwards of $500. These players are the true culprits. Fast-fashion brands have an alibi for the cheap quality of their garments: affordability. The option to buy a shirt for $5 is a necessity for many people. The option to buy a shirt for $500 can’t be argued as anything more than a luxury. And while much art can be considered a luxury, can a $500 t-shirt that cost $10 to make claim any artistic integrity? In these types of cases artistic and ethical integrity seem to be compromised.
Quality as the light in the fashion world
While fashion houses are contaminating the industry with over-priced cotton garments, the question must be asked: what does good quality look like? Quality is not a one-dimensional construct. It is not just about the durability and physical material; it is about the functionality. If a jacket is meant to be versatile, it should not be comfortable for just winter in New York; it must be perfect for an autumn dinner in San Francisco or a spring brunch in Paris. If a garment is nylon, it should breathe a spirit of class and innovation. If it is wool, it should recognize its classical aesthetic and leverage its warmth and comfort. Thus, quality must be understood as the maximization of a fabric’s potentiality. It is not as much about the expression of the imagination, but rather the realization of purpose and the fulfillment of function. When garments are infused with such spirit and devotion, they are able to achieve their true creative end and artistic potential.
