21.10.08

Elements of Design Project: Line

The following sets of images contain a corresponding use of line between non-apparel and apparel items. The 'line' inspiration from the surrounding environment is apparent in all of the garments, showing how great a reflection fashion is of the world around us.
(Image credit and sources can be seen in the following post)


1) Dimensional Lines

Hong Kong
Lippo Center + Christian Dior Fall 2008



The belted jacket by Christian Dior uses hard, 3-Dimensional lines similar to the exterior of the Lippo Center, pictured above. The small, lined pattern on the Dior catches the eye and gives a feeling of outward movement. The Hong Kong building's exterior has the same effect on the eye, making the lines almost 'come to life' with motion.

2) Diagonal or on the Bias?

Bank of China + Esty by Joodito fashions



The distinct criss-cross line pattern on the Bank of China building is also seen on this unique jacket, made by Esty. The Lines are bold in both non apparel and apparel representations and give each a sharp, defined shape. The garment however doesn't literally use the same line technique as the BOC building, but represents the 'essence' of the exact lines used.


3) Rococo Chic

Queluz National Palace, Portugal + Fall 2008 Givenchy dress


The lines used in this beautiful Givenchy dress are echoed in the Rococo-style interior of the Queluz National Palace. The rounding arch of the ceiling inspires the lines of the smaller archs of fabric above the hip. These lines and overall style are reminiscent of the over-the-top nature of the Rococo style, since the lines created by the fabric structures are not necessary for the garment's function. This is an example of how fashion can be inspired by the soft lines created by classic interior architecture.

4) Hail to the Superhero

Transformers, 'Optimus Prime' + Louis Goldin design


Although the graphic similarity is more obvious between these two images than previous, they nonetheless show an inspiration of line from a non-apparel object to an apparel item. The Goldin dress uses like colors and lines and looks eerily similar to the face of our favorite Transformer. The use of line in the dress gives both the silhouette and the features of a fictional, robotic hero. The lines between the Transformers character and the dress are used in almost exactly the same manner, as Goldin brings the super hero alive on a dress.


5) Blurred Lines

'Widescreen Girl' Modern Art + Michael Angel Dress



The Michael Angel design is similar to the painting because the fluid characteristics and blurred nature of the lines. The eye is not sure which line to follow, so it depends on the multiple fluid lines to define a shape. These lines again evoke the feeling of motion, and Michael Angel was able to capture that artistic movement beautifully. The organic lines seen in modern and postmodern art have been of great inspiration to fashion designers for decades.

6) Shoes are the new canvas

Mondrain's Composition with
Red, Yellow, and Blue + Nike Dunks



Here, Nike's inspiration is clear: Piet Mondrian. These Nike Dunks are a fantastic representation of the thick, bold, geometric lines seen in Mondrian's famous work. The black lines are powerful because of the stark juxtaposition of color and white space on the surface. Nike takes this line technique and applies it well to their sneaker, using the black lines to guide the shape of the shoe and direct the eye exactly to the color/white contrast.


7) Prism Inspiration

Nokia 7070 Prism + Gareth Pugh



This Gareth Pugh design is amazing in the way he uses lines to create prisms which further add hard edges, texture, and light reflection with movement. Nokia's use of prisms in its handset design is equally stunning and uses similar line techniques to create a fresh surface design. These very different ideas, technology and fashion, both come together unexpectedly and show the importance of line as an element of a well-designed object.

8) Water, water everywhere

Water found in nature + Preen dress, Fall 2008


The fluid lines in the Preen dress could be inspired by the effortless curve of water found in nature. The lines created by the draped pleats are not exact, symmetrical, or structured; similar to the lines created by water. This design includes both line and color inspiration from water. Even patterns found in nature can be a source of design inspiration.

9) Belle of the Ball

Bell-shaped flower + Vera Wang design, Fall 2008



The silhouette used in this Vera Wang top bell-shaped at the waist, creating a line similar to the flower pictured above. The line used here creates a soft buy distinct rounded shape, like the shape of a flower. This line technique is both elegant and feminine when used in apparel design.


10) Food is everywhere.

Ravioli pasta + Chloe Sweater, Spring 2009





This line similarity is quite different from the others, since this time it involves the lines of food. The small rounded edges that line the Chloe sweater may remind one a type of pasta- Ravioli. Although the textures (and materials) are different, both food and apparel items seems to follow the line perfectly. The arched edges around the sweater add to the aesthetics and make the wearer stand out. It can be said that the same goes for ravioli; just that small change in line shape definitely makes ravioli unique to the other pastas.


Image Sources:

1. “Blocks”
non: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/hong%20kong/lippo_center.htm
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/bellecurves


2. “Hard Lines”
non: http://night-hawks.blogspot.com/2005/11/hong-kong-im-pei.html
apparel: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=16185394

3. “Rococo”
non: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queluz_National_Palace\
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/bellecurves

4. Transformers/Super hero
non:http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/transformers_optimus_prime_voice_changer_helmet1.jpg
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/superhero

5. Blurred lines of Brightness
non:http://purecontemporary.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/09/widescreen_girls.gif
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/superhero

6. Mondrian Lines
non:http://modernmonalisatd1a.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/composition.jpeg
apparel: http://www.kicksonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/piet-mondrian-nike-dunk-low-sb-2.jpg

7. Prisms
non: http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2008/04/04/new-nokia-7070-prism-full-specifications-and-photos/
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/bellecurves

8. Water
non: http://www.maplewoodcounselingservices.com/Images/water.jpg
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/bellecurves

9. Flowers
non: http://www.wildthingsphoto.com/jpgs/images/flwr18.jpg
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072808/bellecurves

10. Ravioli:
non: http://tonetta.net/files/pasta_shape___ravioli.jpg
apparel: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/