Legendary artist David Hockney has passed away at the age of 88. Celebrated for his vibrant use of dopamine-inducing colour, unyielding affinity for dachshunds and innovative approach to painting, drawing and digital art, the Bradford-born multi-hyphenate is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Hockney made his name during the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Living in Los Angeles at the time, the visionary became renowned for his hedonistic depictions of sun-drunk landscapes, intimate portraits and blissful California swimming pool scenes - which included some of his most famous pieces such as A Bigger Splash and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures).
The creative was ahead of the curve when it came to embracing modern media, experimenting with new technologies, photography, iPads and digital drawing throughout his career. His work, which came to redefine modern art, is characterised by a fascination with perspective, light and perception - inspiring both film and fashion while cementing his reputation as a cultural icon.
© Getty ImagesNaturally, his distinctive personal style (wide-rimmed glasses, Savile Row tailoring and bow ties were his signature) and playful, contemporary palettes caught the attention of leading designers. Across the years, Hockney-inspired clothing has peppered the runways of luxury brands, spanning Thom Browne womenswear to Galliano menswear and more.
Discover the top five times when fashion drew inspiration from the great late David Hockney below.
5 Times David Hockney inspired fashion:
Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2013
Michael Kors Collection's spring/summer 2013 collection drew direct inspiration from Hockney's glimmering swimming pool paintings. Models took to the runway in sleek sleeveless catsuits that echoed the artist's idyllic depictions of sun-drenched California, translating the escapist allure of his work effortlessly onto the high fashion runway.
Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2017
For its spring/summer 2017 runway collection, Thom Browne married the brand's signature tailoring with Hockney-esque hues. Fitted blazers were printed with shadowy palm trees mirrored in iridescent swimming pools, evoking the tranquillity and radiance that has become synonymous with the artist's work.
Fendi Spring/Summer 2017 menswear
Fendi adopted Hockney's use of retro striping and sunny earth tones for its spring/summer 2017 menswear collection. Models took to the floor in preppy prints, loose tees, tote bags and dandyish, high-rise trousers, making a case for harbour style with a painterly twist.
John Galliano Spring/Summer 2012 menswear
Influenced by both Hockney's distinctive personal style and his archive, John Galliano's spring/summer 2012 collection served as an all-encompassing tribute to the artist. Aptly titled Big Splash, the collection featured pink bow ties, knee-high socks, brogues, caps, striped knitwear and, of course, blonde wigs.
JW Anderson Autumn/Winter 2017 menswear
Jonathan Anderson loves an art historical reference. From Van Gogh's sunflowers to Manet's realist scenes, the designer has yielded inspiration from a wide range of iconic painters across the years. For his eponymous brand's autumn/winter 2017 menswear collection, the Irish creative recreated Hockney's bold landscapes, printed on classic tailored shirts and trousers.
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2008
For spring/summer 2008, Paul Smith looked to David Hockney and the Bloomsbury Group for inspiration, merging the artist's signature use of colour with the intellectual, bohemian spirit of the early twentieth-century collective. Tailored jackets, relaxed trousers and richly patterned shirts were rendered in painterly hues, paying homage to both Hockney and Smith's love of British eccentricity.
