Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Looking at Different Cultures





By observing and analysing people's clothes and their belongings, it is possible to draw clear differentiations between a variety of cultures, class and genders and be able to view fashion in terms of different macro and micro environments.


INDIAN FASHION

Indian fashion varies from one village to another village, from one city to another city. India's fashion heritage is rich in tradition, vibrant in colors and prepossessing. India is based on diversity and this is reflected in the colours used, with strong, RICH hues such as red, green, yellow and blue. Women’s clothing in particular is vibrant and dazzling.



Here is an example of all the vibrant colours used in traditional Indian dress. The women are wearing a mixture of high value, high chroma hues, and low value tints such as pastel yellow and peach. The style of clothing in India varies from village to village and city to city. Therefore the style of dress that the women are wearing in this example identifies them to the village they live in.




The image above depicts a brother and sister, brought up in England but visiting family in India. The Indian suit worn in this photo is a typical example of a colour combination used in Indian fashion. This colour scheme uses the Diad formula, pairing a high value hue of pink with a constant chroma, high value tint of orange. Embroidery in similar colours is used as a decorative addition to the outfit, which adds detail and interest to the design.
In contrast, the boy standing in the photo is wearing a darker colour scheme, consisting of blue and black. This are colours with weight, therefore have high value. This shows a distinct contrast between male and female fashions and Indian and English fashion. Boys prefer darker, muted colours, which don’t draw any attention to themselves, whereas girls more commonly wear brighter colours to create impact and catch the observers eye.



The above images are classic examples of traditional Indian dress. Both outfits use the Principle of Novelty, where overtly bright and eccentric colours are used. The image on the left applies the Diad theory, where two colours are apart on the wheel, in this case green and orange. The image on the right uses 2 colours next to each other on the wheel. This follows the Principle of Order, where colours are similar as they are very close to one another on the wheel. A combination of Purple and Pink also relates to the Principle of Resemblance because the 2 colours harmonize with one another as the difference is little. The stark contrast of Gold in the fabric is a true example of Indian dress, as it creates impact and emphasis on the vivid nature of the other colours.







Indian style is so distinct and original that now designers are studying them and incorporating them into their designs. Key features of traditional Indian garments other than the bold colours are intricate embroidery and use of beads and sequins.




Below are images from Matthew Williamson’s Spring Summer 07 Collection. Williamson’s signature style takes inspiration from traditional ethnic fashions such as India and Eastern styles. Williamson adopts the same colour schemes as those in the previous examples. Using the Principle of Novelty, he blends high value high chroma hues across the whole colour wheel. In the examples below he applies the Mono-chromatic Colour formula with an emphasis of one colour: Several different shades and tints of one hue is used. In this case, he blends high and low values of pink/peach. This colour arrangement can be referred to as Sequence of Colour – as the eye is led in a sequence of succession.









AFRICAN FASHION




African tribal dress is inspired by the wild trees, exotic flowers and lush vegetation of African surroundings. Common looks include flamboyant accessories and elaborate decorations, using earthy colours such as red, brown, yellow, orange and green.



Tribal themes are often adopted into western fashions, applying the analogous colour theory to designs.



















The images above demonstrate the use of earthy colours such as brown and orange. This applies the Analogous Theory as colours next to each other on the colour wheel are used. The Complimentary Colour Theory has also been used in the designs, combining orange/beige with blue. This combination has been used to contrast, enhance and intesify the vivid colours.

The above images demonstrate the use of bold geometric prints. This adds detail and interest. Using a combination of plain and patterned also brings about balance and harmony.

The Prinicple of Familiarity can be compared in these designs, as most of the colo. Colours are based on nature or use neutral tones such as grey and beige. These colours have been adopted by African trends because it reflects the surroundings that the inhabitents live in.





The colours used are warm, firey and aggresive, with high value hues and high chromas. The colours compliment the natural, foliage setting around.

Above right is another example of the geometric prints used, this gives a camouflage effect.







FRENCH












French fashion can be describes as subtle, elegant and sophisticated.














Carla Bruni is an Italian born, naturalised French, songwriter, singer and former model. She is currently married to the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. She is a good example of someone with a typically French style. Her outfits are modest, wearing tailored outfits in tones of grey and shades of black.










Chanel, epitomises true French Fashion with its classis clean cuts, casual elegance and simple suits. Chanel is also famous for inventing the little black dress, which is one of its key signiture looks.






ASIAN



Vivienne Tam is a good example of Asian fashion, in terms of the designs melding the aesthetic and feminine mystique of Asia with the spirit of the modern world . Vivienne Tam’s bi-cultural upbringing in the then British colony, Hong Kong, was the first stage in the development of her signature East-meets-West style.





Colours used are of high value and low chroma. An Analogous Colour Formula has been applied, maintaining the fluidity of a monochrome scheme but with more variety. This also relates to the Sequence of Colour arrangement, which brings about order and balance.




Traditional Chinese dress represents an important part of the Chinese culture. These are evident, either directly or indirectly, as political changes, economic developments, and changes in folkways evolve over time. China's traditional costumes mirror, from a cultural perspective, the Chinese society and the mental outlook of the Chinese people in different periods of history. It is evdient that Tam has taken inspiration from traditional chinese dress in terms of colour scheme, styling and patterns and motifs used. Below left is an example of traditional chinese dress and below right shows an adaptation of such a design, re-creating it with a more modern and western feel. Similiarities remain the same between colour schemes and the patterns used.

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