Avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo. Yes, I will be the first one to say that originality is an indispensable characteristic when it comes to high fashion. The ability to transcend traditional ideas and to create designs beyond “common imagination” has enabled designers like Martin Margiela and the late Alexander McQueen to monopolize high fashion with their ground breaking designs.

Many designers have aligned themselves with the avant-garde style of designing. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for such designers, Lady Gaga wouldn’t be recognized for her wild sense of fashion. The concept of avant-garde refers to artists who are opposed to mainstream values. But the question remains… When does avant-garde become crazy?

Here are 5 of the most eccentric fashion trends to hit the runway.





As crazy as some of these looks seem, the notion of the existence of avant-garde is considered by some to be a hallmark of modernism. In my opinion, designers and artists able to invent such masterpieces are a beacon to the fashion industry, and without them there would be no haute couture!