8 Unforgettable Andy Warhol Inspired Fashion Collections

It began with the “Souper Dress” …

Andy Warhol’s lasting impact on fashion didn’t end there… for decades, his work has served as a myriad of inspiration for high fashion designer collections worldwide. Check out 8 of the greatest (and my favorite) Warhol-inspired looks to graze the runway yet:

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Spring/Summer 1984 

While Andy Warhol’s prints were first made catwalk-worthy in the ‘80s, designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac contributed an unforgettable fashion story, incorporating his own Campbell’s Soup Can dress for his SS84 collection… and a total statement piece I might add!

Versace Spring/Summer 1991 

Who can forget legendary designer Gianni Versace’s SS91 Pop Art collection, featuring Naomi Campbell strutting a jewel-encrusted style of Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe and James Dean prints? It was here the artist truly became synonymous with high fashion. #WARHOLGLAM anyone?

Blumarine Autumn/Winter 2009  

Anna Molinari displayed Warhol’s emblematic flower print, one of my personal favorite Warhol-works, from head to toe for her AW09 collection …and all while projecting a loud-and-proud “pseudo-Warhol” portrait image for the backdrop!

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Autumn/Winter 2009  

As history often repeats itself, the AW09 Jean-Charles de Castelbajac collection again scattered a Warhol-esque vibe throughout the styling and designs with comparable wigs and unforgettable self-portrait generated in a larger-than-life format on minidresses… complete with “fur-hair” and all!

Jeremy Scott Autumn/Winter 2011  

Perhaps even more so than any other designer, the overall influence of iconic artist Andy Warhol is seen in the work of Jeremy Scott (both in his eponymous line and those he has created for Moschino). Scott is one of my favorite designers for many reasons, but largely because of his relentless eccentricities, breaking of creative boundaries and matchless emphasis on commercialism. Mr. Scott’s AW11 collection included sequined pieces embroidered with a logo reminiscent of the classic Coca-Cola symbol… a nod to Warhol’s captivation with consumerism.

Dior Autumn/Winter 2013 

I cannot leave out the lesser-known traces of Warhol seen on the runway, as Raf Simons inserted silk dresses embroidered with the artist’s early drawings; portraits of women detailed on bustier dresses, into the Dior AW13 Ready-to-Wear collection. I love the vintage-somewhat-novice-artist-vibes.

Prada Spring/Summer 2013  

Miuccia Prada’s SS13 collection, largely inspired by Warhol’s Flowers, highlighted a standout white fur coat embedded with the artists’ daisies. A true call of Warhol-mania, interpreted through Miuccia Prada’s eyes.

Versace Spring/Summer 2018  

On the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Gianni Versace, the designer’s sister, Donatella, chose to stage a tribute with her SS18 show. Circling back, of course, to Gianni’s Warhol-influenced wears, models again sported the fully adorned faces of Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe and James Dean prints… complete with matching bag and thigh high’s, no doubt! *Swoon-worthy* much!?

“Fashion loves to dip into art and big fashion houses look for a new artistic theme every season. However, referencing Warhol is about more than just the art itself – the art is symbolic of an incredibly glamorous era. Studio 54, New York, excess, style. It is a very powerful message.”

—André Leon Talley (via BBC)

If one thing is clear, cravings in high fashion for signs of the eccentric icon’s artwork remain met as Warhol-influenced designs continue to emphasize runways throughout the world. The theme may be over-hyped, but fierce nonetheless.