How Would You Wear Hockney?

Fair weather looms, and with it usually comes the joy (and pain) of scouring our closets for pieces that speak to a warmer, laissez-faire vibe. What does that look like today, after we’ve been cooped up for a year? After my reintroduction, I was excited to venture into my wardrobe and experiment for the first time in months. As I touched garments that hadn’t seen the light of day in ages, a question came to mind. How would this translate to a painting? So, I asked around. Read on for more, and then ask yourself: how would I wear Hockney?

Payton Turner, co-founder of Flat Vernacular and artist

The palette of Serenade, from the Blue Guitar inspired my outfit. The blue, green, and rust color combination is one that I love and wear regularly. It also calls the natural world to mind which is why I decided to pose with my sleeping Japanese lantern shrubs. Their tiny rust-red pods burst into waxy white flowers come spring, which is exactly how my mind feels whenever I look at artwork. A burst-like feeling of breakthrough, evolution, and new ways to look at the world and my place in it.

Roxanne Fequiere, writer

 All harsh lines and jagged edges, reminiscent of slats and clapboard and long summer shadows, this image made me think of not-so-gracious outdoor living, the old chairs that accumulate over the years in someone's old, overgrown yard—the ones you're pretty certain will leave dusty marks on your backside, but it's all right because you're wearing old cutoffs, anyway. It's been so long since I've kicked back outside that even these dusty memories spurred me to pull out something far too dressed up for the occasion. Kelly green silk with a cutting board print loses its sharp edges when pulled into a kerchief shape—all the better to reference a throne of stiff willow wicker rendered curvilinear for this imaginary barbecue's most esteemed guest.

Megan West, creative director and painter

I love the seriousness of this photo and how that is completely overridden with the playfulness of the color scheme. I was inspired by the man's suit, but taking a really playful approach with a pink blazer in a wood-like pattern. Currently I'm living in these pull-on gingham pants that are an elevated take on pajama pants. Building on that, I can't go wrong with a denim shirt which serves as a neutral and gives off spring blue sky vibes. I topped it off with a punchy pink jacket to amp up the polish and some vintage beads that add an unexpected touch.

Diana Cenat, writer

The shapes and swells in this painting are so striking. They make me want to take up space (which is refreshing, as the last year has pushed us to leave the smallest physical footprint possible).  With that in mind, I chose voluminous pieces that can stand alone, but also work well together. The tucked in, oversized button-down and silk scarf add some polish, while the oversized wool vest and cargo pants ground the outfit. A pair of patent leather loafers add a pop of shine, and ultimately make this a comfy look that gives off a “ready to Zoom” attitude—while also being perfect for the long walk I am itching to take as soon as spring arrives.

Brian Kaspr, co-founder of Flat Vernacular and artist

I picked the floral shirt for an obvious reason: to represent the Garden of Eden. My salmon-colored pants are the best match to Adam and Eve's skin tone, while my bare feet and open shirt represent their nudity. I left my hair untamed as there were no beauty products in the days of Adam and Eve. My cat Bovine probably thinks he represents the Creator.