“Less is more” is the phrase adopted by architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1186-1969) as a precept for minimalist design. It has since long been synonymous with the notion that simplicity and clarity lead to good design and
“Less is more” is the phrase adopted by architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) as a precept for minimalist design. It has since long been synonymous with the notion that simplicity and clarity lead to good design and is now the name given to AnOther contributing writer Harriet Walker’s latest book. Spanning several decades of fashion, this intriguing hardback is the definitive guide to minimalism in fashion, from its birth in the early twentieth century to its current comeback by cutting-edge designers and high street brands.
Illustrated with exclusively commissioned photography along with archival shots, original sketches and catwalk imagery, Less is More is a beautiful anthology exploring the prominence of minimalism, bringing to light the iconic fashions of designers who have adopted such principles in their work. Ranging from the sleek classicism of Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel to the avant-garde and groundbreaking approach of Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, and the contemporary purism of Hussein Chalayan, Gareth Pugh and Raf Simons to the rise of New Minimalism of Phoebe Philo at Céline and young designers like Heikki Salonen, Walker delves deep into the history of this influential fashion movement.
Here Walker explains her interest and motivation behind creating the book:
“It struck me a few seasons ago that designers were becoming increasingly tired of the 'statement' dressing that summed up the first decade of the millennium, in light of economic climes, celebrity culture and public opinion. The only potential new statement could be to embody a considered and quiet sort of luxurious subtlety. this then led me to thinking about how the process of simplification has essentially underpinned every great progression and movement, not only within womenswear but politically and culturally. The liberation of women from corsets and hobble skirts, for example, the rise of sportswear and the beginnings of futurism all focus on simplicity and uncomplicated functionality. Minimalism in fashion is fundamentally a socio-political movement, rather than an intimidating or intellectual one as people so often assume.”
Text by Lucia Davies
Less is More by Harriet Walker is out today, published by Merrell and priced at £35.
