Scholar Mariana Torgovnick, writes on the subject of primitivism and its cultural, and social connotations. In her book Gone Primitive: Savage Intellects, Modern Lives she lays an interesting discourse on primitivism as being this generalized idea that distances the “native” from the “civilized” and yet while there is an obvious distinction between the two, primitivisim perpetually surfaces and posits itself in our modern world. It’s a concept that cannot really be rejected no matter how much we try to advance and develop. How can we dismiss it? This idea of savagery and archaism is often times a great source of inspiration for art, fashion and literature.
In the context of fashion, primitivism is constantly referenced, emphasizing our fascination with it. Rodarte serves as a prime example in the discussion of a primitive aesthetic in fashion. The Mulleavy sisters of are often associated with this tribal, primordial aesthetic through their violent fusion of fabrics and prints. Just the manner in which their garments are constructed connotes savagery.
Primitivism in fashion is also translated in the visual narratives of our magazines
This particular spread from Dazed and Confused (images above), shot by Ben Toms, styled by Katie Shillingford, reiterates the point of constantly returning to the primitive, to the pre-colonial. There is a rejection of the civilized and an embrace of crudity. Primitivism, presents an abstract, alluring, unrefined beauty, which is adeptly captured in this editorial.
