Fashion Influential #12: Andy Warhol

ANDY WARHOL
Born:
August 6, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Illustrated for:
Barney's, Neiman Marcus, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Harper's Bazaar
Fans:
Lou Reed, John Cale, David Bowie, Mark Mothersbaugh, Halston
Fan of:
Nico, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minelli, the Superstars
Beginnings.
Andy Warhol (born Andrew Warhola) was the United States' most famous art star, a charismatic trendmaker who was fascinated by both beauty and ugliness. An advertisement and magazine illustrator, Warhol rose to prominence after a 1962 New York exhibition that featured, among other works, his iconic soup can prints. Before long, the former commercial artist had made an indelible mark on art and fashion.

Career Highs.
1960s New York belonged to Warhol. At his Factories in New York, he maintained an entourage of beautiful and fascinating people, his "Superstars," who often became style icons in their own right. Edie Sedgwick, who appeared in several of Warhol's films, is regarded as an empress of bohemian chic. He also strongly influenced many of his famous musician friends, including Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, and David Bowie.
I'd rather buy a dress and put it up on the wall, than put a painting, wouldn't you?
                                                                                      - Andy Warhol
            A Warhol self-portrait.
Career Lows.
In 1968, Warhol was shot by militant feminist Valerie Solanas, who believed Warhol was destroying her career. He had apparently refused to produce the play she'd written, the aptly titled Up Your Ass, which Solanas accused him of stealing. Warhol survived the attack, but was forever changed, no longer comfortable in public. Throughout the 70s, Warhol focused on high-profile portrait commissions, leading to criticisms of commerciality in his work.

Legacy.
Warhol found beauty in what he found interesting. He merged the world of popular culture with that of high art, drawing myriad criticisms but broadening the scope and reach of art. As more people became familiar with Warhol and his Superstars, they became more attentive to the art and aesthetics of the everyday - especially with regards to fashion. As Warhol noted, "When you think about it, department stores are kind of like museums."

Edie Sedgwick's style has influenced many of today's "It-girls," from Sienna Miller to Kate Moss.
Get the Look.
Andy Warhol wore a lot of black, which contrasted greatly with his ash blonde wigs. He also favored black sunglasses and thick horizontal striped shirts with black jeans. The important thing to remember is that Warhol championed what was uniquely individual: dress as if you're going to be immortalized, if only for fifteen minutes.