Feature Artist: Caitlin Barnes
- kaolivera
- Mar 27, 2016
- 3 min read
Caitlin Barnes is a Barton College student double majoring in Graphic Design and Painting. Drawing and fashion are two important passions in her life, and she spends most of her time combining the two.
Barnes said she’s always drawn. Since she was very young she began drawing, but it wasn’t until middle school that she became serious about it. It was around that time that she also became more fashion based.
Barnes said she likes to do sketches and character designs as well as just designs in general. She said she’s always doodling something down. She said she’s inspired by mostly vintage and historical fashion, as well as clothes that is inspired by it. She claims that it’s what she’s been interested in for a long time and a passion of hers.
“It all started with American Girl, let’s be real,” she says with a laugh.
Barnes said that her favorite fashion house is Dior. She also likes Valentino, Oscar De La Renta, and Ellie Saab. Although she looks more at Runway, she does enjoy the occasional Vogue magazine. Barnes also really likes Betsy Johnson and Kate Spade.
“She’s so in your face and unapologetically girly, but still has that edge. Kate Spade is just fun,” said Barnes with a smile.
Her face lights up when she describes each fashion house and what she loves about each one. The excitement on her face makes it hard not to smile back, and be excited too. She has an obvious passion for these topics and it’s hard not to be fascinated by her sharing tone. She is a true fashion lover and is heavily influenced by her interests.
When asked what runway trend is her favorite, Barnes instantly gushes about the etheral, fairy-like dresses that have been happening on the red carpet. She thinks they are wonderful and dreamlike.
“Kate Blanchet’s Oscar look was great and Fan BingBing’s look too, which was by Marchaessa.”
Barnes said that her favorite fashion designers are Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Elsa Chaperelli, who was popular in the thirties and late twenties. Chaperelli was the Italian rival to French Coco Chanel and was known for her rare and eccentric designs. Among her most popular works was the crazy shaped buttons (like lip shaped and insect buttons) and lobster hats. Chaperelli was friends with Salvadore Dali and they did a lot of collaborations as well. For Chaperelli, fashion was just as much about making art as it was about making clothes, which is something Barnes likes about her. She blended the two perfectly. Barnes urges fashion lovers to take a look at her work.
“I think people will really like her. She’s fantastic.”
Barnes hopes to have a future in fashion and art. She says even if she ends up not having what she desires, she’s still going to continue her love for the arts as a hobby.
“It’s more than just a hobby, it’s a passion and not something that is every going to go away.”
Her ultimate dream job would be to be a Renaissance woman. She would like to get into cosmetics and perfume as well. She thinks in the future she’ll probably be all over the place, but wants to settle somewhere with more of a historical field.
Caitlin's fashion artwork:
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