ARTISTS FROM VERMEER TO PICASSO have been inspired by the female form. Now art itself is fashion's muse, with paint-inspired prints — abstract watercolor swirls, pointillist flowers — spilling onto dresses, skirts and blouses.

Why is Van Gogh suddenly hotter than Valentino? "The art world has a lot of influence on fashion," says designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, whose spring line riffs on Cubism and Impressionism. Some styles even dip into ombre, tie-dye's sophisticated, shaded cousin. Just be careful wearing the colorful pieces to museums or galleries — you might end up blending into the canvas.

From left to right:

1: A watery kaleidoscope print packs a megawatt punch on Theory's mini-dress masterpiece ($305, Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria; 703-761-1600). It'd shine at a cocktail party or gallery opening with Apepazza's wedges ($118, Shoefly, 2727 Wilson Blvd, Arlington; 703-243-6490).

2: What seems to be a pastel sketch of 1950s Mexico decorates Hurley's sporty tank ($24, Hurley.com). Keep it simple, Senorita, with a pair of skinny jeans ($27.50, Forever 21) and fun white peep-toes ($68, Shoefly). And, remember, flabby abs won't make a good canvas for a print like this.

3: A wild brush stroke pattern (so Jackson Pollock! ) stars on a skirt ($138, Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria) from Vera Wang's Lavender Label. Play up its high waist with a tank by Daftbird ($82; Swayandcake.com) and a long necklace ($20, Target). Also, add Poetic License wedges ($88, Shoefly).

4: Like something a mod Frida Kahlo might wear, LaRok's ombre top ($218, Shopbop.com) has a handcrafted feel due to its wash of cobalt blue and sour apple. Balance the shape with James jeans ($185, Urban Chic). Sugar Mary Janes ($65, Shoefly) complete the pretty picture.

5: Who knew spilled paint could look so chic? Lauren Moffatt's slip style ($383, Shopbop.com) provides a refreshing break from the little black dress. Try it with bright accessories like Sugar's Kelly green heels ($65, Shoefly) and Lauren Merkin's raspberry clutch ($165, Shopbop.com).

6: Yaya Aflalo's dyed tunic ($294, Shopbop.com) is a modern take on a counterculture classic. Keep the boho vibe by wearing it with James jeans ($185, Urban Chic). But don't bust out the Grateful Dead records yet -- this look is hip, not hippie.

Written by Express contributor Ashley Joy Parker
Photos by Marge Ely/Express

Posted by Express at 3:32 PM on April 18, 2008
Tagged in Fashion & Design , Lifestyles , Top Stories