Medusa as a Metaphor

It is not just Versace who has historically revered both the symbol and the myth of Medusa. Designers and artists of all kinds have been inspired by everything that made Medusa sedentary in our minds. Whether it is the cool stare or the unattainable beauty, Medusa has never been more prevalent in fashion than in the present.

Vogue Japan February 2012, All Versace and Versace for H&M
Source: http://omegacollektiv.com/

Kate Moss in Versace SS13 Ad Campaign.
Source: http://www.glamourboysinc.com/

A woman who was once so beautiful, so desired, that even the Gods were green with envy, was transformed into a mystical creature that with not but a glance could turn a man to stone. The concept of creating fashion that is so stunning on a woman’s body that one must stare in awe; this was the origin of Versace’s namesake emblem. Many designers have tried to conceive their idea of impossible beauty and perfection such as with Medusa. Whether they worked from the folds of the clothing and the drape on a form like the gowns of the Greeks, or with the textures of exotic creatures like scales on a snake, designers have been continuously inspired by Medusa.

Sophia Vergara in Hervé Léger
Source: http://fashionrollcall.com/

Ajak Deng in Coiled Iris Van Herpen AW11
Source: http://www.irisvanherpen.com/

Emilio Pucci Serpent Wedges SS13
Source: http://style.com/

Medusa’s elusive power of dominance and desire has captured the hearts and creative minds of designers such as Elyssa Bass, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, and numerous others. Designers endow their designs with the power of Medusa’s control with both fitted shapes and sharp cuts. From work wear to fetish attire, dominance and power play a large role in fashion. The desire is recreated time and time again with sumptuous fabrics and flattering colors. Flesh, jewel, and earth tones have become the most popular derivative of Medusa’s influence. One must only see an emerald Hervé Léger dress or a nude Atsuko Kudo pencil skirt to know that Medusa’s magnetic power is still at work in fashion.



Lanvin Snake Necklace SS10
Source: http://www.style.com/

Rinko Kuikuchi in Fausto Puglisi
Source: http://thefashion-court.com/



The snake, or serpent, is a symbol of guardianship and rebirth. As Medusa used her snakes as a form of protection, power, and preservation, fashion uses snakes as a way to bring to life Medusa’s youthful ardor into their fashions. Signifying the raw strength and power of Medusa, these designers use snakes as a part of their creative process.

Roberto Cavalli
Source: http://www.luisaviaroma.com/

Lindsey Wixson in snake-like dreadlocks for Chanel PF2012
Source: http://www.style.com/

Snake Dress, Balmain Fall 2009
Source: ww.style.com

The Icon, Medusa, has been revered throughout history as a stunning, youthful, and strong archetype for fashion. Praised for her beauty, respected for her power, and transfixed in the creative minds of designers around the world, Medusa will continue to be epitomized as a powerful metaphor in fashion. 

Riahanna as Medusa, British GQ Cover December 2013
Source: http://live.drjays.com/