From Vanity Fair · José Criales-Unzueta · · 1m 40s
Damien Hirst Defines Fashion as Art
Damien Hirst calls fashion wearable art after collaborating with Barrie.
In brief
Damien Hirst calls fashion wearable art after collaborating with Barrie. Damien Hirst defines fashion as art that can be worn, not just displayed. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Fashion and Art Debate

Fashion is a trillion dollar industry selling aspirational apparel while art remains a sacred, non-physical pursuit.
“Anything done well is art”
Hirst's Barrie Collaboration
Hirst announced a limited edition collaboration with Barrie, a 123-year-old Scottish cashmere luxury brand, available from October 14.
Hirst's Art History
Hirst dominated the 1990s art scene as part of the Young British Artists and remains a defining contemporary artist.
Hirst's Business Challenges

Hirst faces criticism for business decisions, including being reportedly the richest living UK artist and allegations of plagiarism.
Hirst's Fashion History
Hirst previously collaborated with Alexander McQueen and Supreme, but this partnership is more personal.
Hirst's Personal Connection
Hirst wears Barrie regularly, saying the brand reached out after seeing him in the press.
Hirst's Collaboration Philosophy
Hirst prefers collaborations where people recognize the brand, not just the artist, and values function over aesthetics.
“I went ‘no, don’t say no, I love Star Trek'”
Wearable Art Concept
Hirst defines fashion as art that can be worn, contrasting it with non-physical art that requires preservation.
“is art that you can wear”
Function Over Aesthetics
Hirst prioritizes practical use in fashion, unlike art where gravity and physical constraints limit creativity.
“In art, I was taught that there are no limits”
Hirst's Past Collaborations
Hirst nearly collaborated with Hussein Chalayan and Virgil Abloh, but their projects faced challenges.
“You can see some amazing brands come together and make real crap”
Hirst's Merchandise View
Hirst sees merchandise as a bridge between art and practical use, not just a factory product.
“But merch is a good word”
Hirst's Final Take
Hirst's Barrie collaboration balances wearable art with functional design, prioritizing quality over status.
“With Barrie, the zips are perfect”
The big picture
Damien Hirst defines fashion as art that can be worn, not just displayed.



