# Damien Hirst Defines Fashion as Art

> Damien Hirst calls fashion wearable art after collaborating with Barrie.
- Title: Damien Hirst Defines Fashion as Art · Vanity Fair | Shortify
- Summary: Damien Hirst calls fashion wearable art after collaborating with Barrie. Damien Hirst defines fashion as art that can be worn, not just displayed.
- Keywords: damien hirst, barrie, fashion, art, collaboration, scottish cashmere, limited edition, Damien, Hirst, Defines, Vanity Fair
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/damien-hirst-barrie-collaboration-exclusive
- Author: José Criales-Unzueta
- Published: 2026-10-03T19:24:10.495+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: damien hirst, barrie, fashion, art, collaboration, scottish cashmere, limited edition
## 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
## Key takeaway

Damien Hirst defines fashion as art that can be worn, not just displayed.