II
Aesthetic functionalism defines art by it’s intend purpose or function and says this is t to deliver an aesthetic experience (Pro. Hettinger 6). The emphasis is on the pleasurable contemplation of aesthetic properties such as gracefulness, beauty, joy, excitement, or even anger. The viewer also has to be in the right state of mind when looking at the art. Taking haute couture in important consideration the viewer must perceive the aesthetic value of the art form. For example when the perceiver looks at a Ralph Rucci design, a black silk point d’esprit infanta bodice and skirt, trimmed with burnt ostrich feathers; the perceiver must then put their mind into an aesthetic appreciation mode (Yale University Press 72). They could either feel an excitement or disgust of how the ostrich feathers float off of the dress as the model walks down the runway. The sheerness of the infanta bodice, revealing skin, could spark an awe evoking emotion of soft peacefulness. Ralph Rucci dress is a creative expression of art that is being worn by a model walking down a runway. The perceivers of the dress will either being in awe or angered by his artful innovations. The first thought a perceiver would think is either how much labor went into making this dress or graceful this dress. By the perceiver looking at this dress in this state of mind; this proves that haute couture is an art form. Couturier, Ralph Rucci is painter who creates inspired haute couture clothing by translating his abstract clear and pure expressions of art into his fashions (Yale University Press 120). For example, and Rucci translated his painting through a day coat made for his spring/summer 2005 ready to wear collection. It was a simple black cashmere coat slashed with a streak of white that cuts down the front of the garment. Serge, a gallerist and an aesthetic functionalist perceiver of Rucci’s viewed the coat as a work of art invoking peaceful, gentle, and delicate emotions.
