Oscar Wilde expressed in his 1889 essay The Decay of Lying that, "Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life". He continues, "results not merely from Life's imitative instinct, but from the fact that the self-conscious aim of Life is to find expression, and that Art offers it certain beautiful forms through which it may realize that energy." ^{1, 2}

 

As an artist, designer and art historian, I dare say that fashion has embraced the thought that art should extend far beyond the museum walls. And in doing so, what better way than fashion to become a part of individuals’ every day lives and expression? Thus, a need and real movement to create art that is utilitarian in nature, and on the cutting edge of fashion is not a new thought per say, but certainly finding new ground in an ever changing market.

 

Last week, while keeping up on current trends, I ran across Harper Bazaar’s, The List. I was taken by surprise to find one of the top picks within the article “What Fall 2014 In NYC Has In Store” by Kerry Pieri included Prada’s artful portraiture bag. ^{3, 4}  See Image ONE below

 

I was of course excited and found the bag to be lovely. But I also found myself thinking “I created a clutch quite similar to this in 2012 AND a photoshoot was done around that bag in 2013 that looks VERY MUCH like the one pictured in Harper's Bazaar!” Only mine is an ACTUAL painting; it’s signed and created as a one-off.  See Image TWO below

 

Upon first glance of the article I was a bit upset. I thought, “GREAT there’s something I’ve already done and a big name is doing it now.” And it isn’t the first time this has happened to me.

 

But rather than look at it as a setback, I’ve decided that whether or not the Beth Keener name is as well known as Prada or not, that being on the front end of a concept is a good thing. No, it’s a GREAT thing!

 

Ultimately, life IS a reflection of art, and these clutches are a TRUE extension of my heart and soul. I spend time with each one in my little studio and ask them what they want to be, and wonder with whom they will decide to go live and share a journey of fashion, fun and fabulousness . . .

 

People might not know my name YET, but Lord willing they will. Cuz we’re onto something here, and there are so many more concepts coming. I can’t wait to share them as we continue to grow and move forward! Fashion forward!

 

So stick around gang, because when I see a magazine as amazing as Harpers Bazaar posting bags that TRULY resemble work that I’ve produced TWO YEARS ago, well I’m feeling pretty savvy about now. Might even call up Prada and see if they'd like to partner up. I'm fairly certain by the looks of things, they MIGHT like my style, and I'd be honored to work with them!

 

 

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.

Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
~Coco Chanel ⁵

 

 

   References

 

1.     Francis Charles McGrath (1999). Brian Friel's (post) colonial drama: language, illusion, and politics. University Press. pp. 19–21. ISBN 0-8156-2813-7.

2.     Oscar Wilde. The Decay of Lying.

3.     http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/best-of-nyfw

4.     http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-photography/art-inspired-accessories-0214?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1447_43102381#slide-1

5.     http://www.cocochanelquotes.org/