Coco Rocha for Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture, Spring/Summer 2008. If you asked me what the best mythical/fictional creature was a couple of years ago, I would’ve said vampires (as I was still at the point where the idea of a sparkling Edward Cullen was appealing *gags*), but when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire came out before that I would’ve said mermaids. If you’ve seen the movie, I’m sure you’ll understand why. Now, I would also probably say mermaids.
They’re strange characatures, as they can be interpreted in numerous ways; as the blood thirsty Sirens (which is my favorable preference), the pretty ones which sing and pretend to be nice but aren’t, and then…Ariel. Naturally, taking this mesmerizing idea of undersea mythical creatures into the world of fashion and art is a given. But, if you do it well is another question. Well, more specifically, if you portray your idea of a mermaid creatively and originally is probably the question I’d ask. Like Jean-Paul Gaultier’s demonstrated, I’ve seen a great deal of the “beautiful” mermaid ideas portrayed, but none really of the more sinister sort. That’s what I’m most compelled to see. Alexander McQueen, you’re next mission I believe.