The philosophical movement of Existentialism was based on the notion of free will. Believing that the universe is unfathomable, the Existentialists saw it as inevitable that the individual bear complete responsibility for his or her own actions. Brilliant writers pursued the... [more]

The philosophical movement of Existentialism was based on the notion of free will. Believing that the universe is unfathomable, the Existentialists saw it as inevitable that the individual bear complete responsibility for his or her own actions. Brilliant writers pursued the philosophy in far-flung countries: Franz Kafka in Austria; Fyodor Dostoyevsky in Russia; Albert Camus in France. This school of thought infuses much of contempory culture, as many continually seek to carve a niche in a seemingly chaotic Postmodern society. Existentialism translates to the fashion world with the idea that the individual is destined to be free, no matter what. To recognize Existentialism on the streets is to see a freethinker -- someone who dresses according to a unique, self-chosen sensibility. Fashion freedom is the individual's ability to combine disparate influences, to create anew with a palette of colors and fabrics, to construct combinations patented solely by and for the wearer. The performer David Bowie personifies this movement. A self-proclaimed clotheshorse, Bowie fashioned his own incarnations as Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, and even as "Bowie." Only the most far-out designers, such as Claude Montana and Ozbek, can be considered Existentialist. Jean-Paul Gaultier sums up his own inspiration on his web site, "A dream has finally come true, to give life to a fashion collection made oneself: the ability to be free, the possibility of thinking 'differently' about fashion, driven by the need to be up-to-date, elegant, creative for one's contemporaries." [show less]