Chess in Fashion

Chess in Fashion

June/July Japan Vogue

Chess permeates popular culture in a variety of ways, including fashion. Whether the game is referenced for its connotations of intelligence or is simply provides a geometric backdrop to showcase a garment, chess has graced publications such as Vogue and inspired designers like Alexander McQueen. McQueen staged his Spring/Summer 2005 fashion show around chess – entitling the collection, “It’s Only a Game.” According to the designer, “[In this collection] the idea of the chess game meant that we looked at six different types of women, women on opposing sides.”

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen was selected to star alongside actress Liv Tyler in a campaign for the G-Star RAW World Chess Challenge. The chess master is currently ranked number one in the world (the youngest ever), yet is not the current World Champion. The G-Star RAW World Chess Challenge provided Carlsen the opportunity to prove his skills by defeating over 70,000 online opponents. Carlsen appeared in numerous ad campaigns showcasing G-Star’s hard line fashions.

Chess has served as an inspiration to designers and also has continued to be used as a prop in fashion advertising, indicating that the garments are designed for sophisticated wearers with intellectual prowess.  The game continues to be a creative resource with endless interpretations. 

Dermot Byrne Photography