is-clothing-without-function-still-clothing Conceptual Fashion

Conceptual Fashion

Is Clothing Without Function Still Clothing

About this topic

Is clothing without function still clothing? This question asks whether the essence of clothing lies in 'the function of protecting and comforting the body,' or in 'embodying expression, symbolism, and questions.' In extreme examples of conceptual fashion, unwearable, immobile, extremely heavy/light/transparent garments are made. Why are they still called 'clothing'? Does the lack of function cause clothing to lose its identity, or does it give birth to a new concept of clothing? It fundamentally re-examines the boundaries between utility and expression, body and concept.

Conceptual positions
01 Function-Essential Theory

The view that clothing's essence is 'wearable' and 'protecting the body,' and what lacks function is not clothing but an object or art. Practicality is the ground of identity.

02 Expression-Priority Theory

The view that clothing's essence is 'what it expresses or questions,' and function is secondary or unnecessary. Lack of function itself enables pure expression.

03 Boundary-Fluid Theory

The view that the boundary between 'clothing' and 'art' is not fixed but changes with times or context. Clothing without function is established as an attempt to expand the concept of fashion.

04 Corporeal Re-definition Theory

The view that lack of function conversely becomes an opportunity to re-examine the nature of the body. By clothing 'not protecting' the body, the body's vulnerability and possibilities emerge.

Talk entry points

  1. Have you ever experienced clothing or a work where you wondered 'Is this clothing, or art?'

  2. When you saw clothing without function, what did you feel? Rejection or curiosity?

  3. Where do you think the premise 'clothing should be wearable' comes from?

  4. What do you think are the conditions for clothing without function to be recognized as 'clothing'?

  5. When clothing's function is lost, what do you think is lost and what is gained?

  6. Do you feel resistance to calling 'clothing without function' 'clothing'? Or does it feel natural?

Conceptual tensions
Function vsExpression
Measure clothing's value by 'function' or by 'expression'? Does lack of function enhance the purity of expression, or undermine the reason for clothing's existence?
Body vsConcept
Does clothing presuppose being worn on the body, or can it be established as a concept independent of the body? Does the absence of the body make clothing 'clothing'?
Tradition vsInnovation
Keep the definition of 'clothing' traditional, or accept lack of function and recognize innovation? Does fixing the definition hinder creation, or does fluidity of definition cause confusion?
Utility vsArt
Should clothing without function be treated as 'art,' or kept within the category of fashion as 'new clothing'? How to handle category boundaries.
Talk note

This topic is a space for dialogue that treats clothing's 'function' not as a self-evident premise but as something to be re-examined. It aims to doubt the fixing of definitions and explore new relationships between body, expression, and concept.

Glossary
Function
The practical role of clothing in protecting the body, providing comfort, and aiding movement. The center of the traditional definition of clothing.
Non-functionality
The state of intentionally lacking practical roles. A characteristic of conceptual fashion.
Identity of Clothing
The essential attribute of what is called 'clothing.' Function, expression, or corporeality.
Clothing as Object
Clothing that does not presuppose wearability, aimed at appreciation or exhibition. Approaches a work of art.
Absence of Body
The state where clothing is separated from the body and treated as an independent existence. Interlocks with lack of function.
Primacy of Concept
The position where clothing's value lies not in practicality but in ideas or questions. The ground for affirming lack of function.
Talk prompts
Ice breaker

Recall one garment or work where you wondered 'Is this clothing, or something else?' What made you feel that way at the time?

Deep dive

If you lived in a world where only 'clothing without function' existed, how would you define 'clothing'? What meaning do you think the act of 'wearing' would have in that world?

Bridge

As you listen to the other person say 'This garment has no function so it's not clothing,' quietly imagine 'the meaning held by lack of function' or 'the history of the definition of clothing' while gently re-examining their premise.

Further questions
  • What happens when 'unwearable clothing' is exhibited in a museum?
  • The mechanism by which lack of function conversely makes the 'essence' of clothing emerge
  • The intention of designers who make 'clothing that is not clothing' and the reaction of receivers
  • The relationship between the impossibility of 'wearing' clothing without function and imagination
  • How the definition of 'clothing' has changed with the times
  • How lack of function affects fashion's commerciality and consumer culture