Avant-Garde music is popular music which is considered to be on the cutting edge of modern innovation in the field of music, with the word “avant-garde” often connoted to an eccentric, artistic attitude, rejection of convention and of the usual taste for conformity. One way to classify avant-garde style in music is to think of old classical styles which were ahead of their time, with complex and innovative soundscapes, intricate lyrics, and complex musical plots. Avant-Garde music often makes use of unorthodox instruments, such as the lute, mandolin, harp, recorder, and many others. In fact, you can hear some avant-garde tracks on lists of the most important records of all time. They are not easily categorized as simple jazz or pop, but rather remain elusive and abstract.
In contemporary terms, avant-garde fashion is a fashion style that challenges the prevailing fashion trend, which in turn creates a buzz and controversy. For example, a dress designed in a manner that is seemingly feminine yet macho, yet conservative; the choice of clothing for a rock concert could include a shirt adorned with a tattoo, leather jacket, or other bold fashion statement. Women’s fashion of this kind is considered controversial and bold. More traditional fashion styles consider conservative outfits and minimal changes to current fashion trends. What is avant garde about women’s fashion is that it usually disregards what is considered traditional and conformist, in favor of individual expression and unconventional fashion statements.
Avant-Garde music is generally considered to be an imaginary idiom, a new style for clothes and interior design that emerged during the 1960s. It is sometimes difficult to define what is avant-garde fashion because these designs often times take on many forms. It is essentially a style of fashion that defies categorization. It usually manifests through its use of new age symbols, or figures, and also by using unconventional patterns and coloration.
The avant garde was created by an artist who identified and explored new creative possibilities. However, many people do not think of avant garde as a style of fashion. Instead, it is usually associated with new age music, mysticism, or the “bizarre.” What is avant garde music?
Many refer to this style of music as “abstract expressionism.” Some refer to it as “new age” music. Others refer to it as “creative music.” And still others view it as “postmodernism.” Basically, what is new age, abstract expressionism, or creative music really boils down to what the individual artist perceives as being new.
However, others disagree. They point out that there is plenty of overlap between avant garde fashion that falls more into the realm of fashion. For example, sneakers have become very popular amongst a new generation of young people. While sneakers are certainly considered to have a fashion element to them, the fact is that they are also a fashion statement. In other words, sneakers may very well be considered fashion, but there is more to their styling and their appeal than simply what is considered to be new age.
With regard to electronic music, there is a plethora of crossover appeal that goes along with it. Rap and hip hop are currently the two most popular genres of music that cross over into fashion. In fact, many of the best selling rap songs have been around for decades, yet they still enjoy popularity among a new age audience. This is all the more reason that these types of styles should continue to be covered in fashion.
So, what is avant garde fashion? It is emerging as a valid genre of fashion that deserves to be discussed. While there are some genres that are clearly defining the borders between fashion and just another kind of fashion, what is avant garde fashion continues to be an ambiguous term. In general, it is a term that invites an appreciation for form and function. By doing so, it allows us to see fashion as something more than a style.