The Art of Dressing: How Proportions Can Enhance Your Figure
In the realm of fashion, knowing how to dress your figure to its advantage is transformative. Making smart, informed choices when shopping not only ensures well-fitting and confidence-boosting clothes but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. By buying less and buying better, or learning to utilize what we already own optimally, we can reduce waste and help preserve our planet. But how do we determine what truly brings out our best? The answer lies in mastering the art of color placement, comprehending how shapes influence perceived body proportions, and understanding the power of asymmetrical proportions. Today, we will focus on the latter.
Embracing Asymmetry: The Power of Proportions
When considering visual appeal, which proportion do you find more pleasing to the eye? A perfectly balanced 50:50 ratio (picture on the right above), or perhaps an unbalanced 1:3 ratio? (left and center pictures above). Interestingly enough, it is often the unbalanced ratios that captivate us most.
Our eyes naturally gravitate towards asymmetrical proportions. In fashion, the ultimate goal is often to achieve a 5:8 ratio known as the "Golden Ratio," which is considered the epitome of aesthetic balance.
The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical concept used in various fields, including fashion design. It involves a specific ratio of approximately 1.618 and is applied by using the formula B = 1.618 x A, where B represents the larger part and A represents the smaller part. This ratio helps create balanced and visually appealing proportions in clothing and accessories.
For example: 21/13 = 1.6153…. 13/8= 1.625
Often referred to as the Divine proportion, Golden number, or Golden mean, the Golden Ratio is symbolized by Φ. It can be observed in a wide range of natural and artistic elements, such as shells, plants, flowers, and animals. This fascinating ratio signifies a profound correlation between mathematics and the creative arts.
Throughout history, the Golden Ratio has been celebrated for its aesthetically pleasing properties when applied in design. Numerous famous works exemplify this proportion, such as Khufu's Pyramid in Egypt, the Parthenon in Athens, Greek sculptures, Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," and the music of Beethoven and Mozart.
The Parthenon holds significant importance in the realm of Golden Ratio mythology. In fact, the Greek letter Phi, which represents the ratio (Φ = 1.618033988749895… ), derives its name from Phidias, the renowned sculptor of the Parthenon.
The geometrical design of the Great Pyramid of Khufu located outside Cairo, Egypt.
When examining the composition of the Mona Lisa, there are several elements that align with the Golden Ratio. For example, the overall shape of the painting appears to follow the “Golden Rectangle,” where the length is approximately 1.618 times the width. Additionally, the placement of certain key features on the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, seem to adhere to the proportions dictated by the Golden Ratio.
While there is ongoing debate and speculation about whether da Vinci intentionally incorporated the Golden Ratio into the Mona Lisa, many believe that the harmonious and balanced nature of the painting can be attributed to this mathematical principle.
In fashion, incorporating the Golden Ratio can elevate designs and styling choices, creating visually appealing and harmonious garments and outfits.. For example, when designing a dress, one can aim for a 5:8 ratio between the length of the dress and the distance from the waistline to the hem. This ratio can create a flattering silhouette that accentuates the natural curves of the body.
Additionally, the Golden Ratio can be used to determine the placement of key design details. Designers can consider placing embellishments or patterns along the lines determined by the Golden Ratio, such as the vertical line dividing the garment into the 3:5 ratios. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the overall design.
By placing buttons at specific intervals that align with the 5/8 ratio, designers can create a visually pleasing and proportionate arrangement on the dress
Renowned fashion designer Sid Neigum skillfully incorporates the golden ratio into his creations, resulting in a sense of cohesion, satisfaction, and symmetry. With a passion for math and science, Neigum embraces the golden ratio as a guiding force throughout his design process. By leveraging this mathematical phenomenon, he expertly crafts garments that embody the power of the golden ratio, showcasing its profound impact on the overall composition and visual harmony of his designs.
Source: CBC Arts - How this fashion designer harnesses the power of the universe to create his clothes
Lise Hosein, How this fashion designer harnesses the power of the universe to create his clothes. CBC Arts. Oct 30, 2018
The Rule of Thirds
Going back to the Rule of Thirds, it is a simplified version of the Golden Ratio, making it more accessible for implementation. Both principles aim to create visually harmonious and balanced designs in fashion. The Golden Ratio is a precise mathematical concept, while the Rule of Thirds is a simplified guideline that divides the composition into thirds. It suggests dividing a garment or any visual composition into three equal sections. By allocating one-third of the space to the top section and two-thirds to the bottom, the rule of thirds helps achieve proportion and balance. This principle is widely utilized in fashion design, as well as other creative domains like photography, architecture, and art.
It's worth noting that while the Rule of Thirds and Golden Ratio can serve as guiding principles, there is room for creativity and personal interpretation in fashion design. Experimentation with symmetry and asymmetry can result in unique and captivating looks. The goal is to strike a balance between following these principles and expressing individual style.
By embracing the Rule of Thirds and/or the Golden Ratio in fashion design and styling, we can create garments and outfits that not only flatter our figure but also resonate with our innate sense of aesthetic balance. As Coco Chanel noted, fashion is indeed a matter of proportions, and by understanding and harnessing these proportions, we can create fashion that truly captivates.
Sources:
Golden Ratio in Fashion. College Fashion, www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/golden-ratio-fashion/.
Golden Ratio in Khufu's Pyramid. ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/figure/Cross-section-of-Khufus-pyramid_fig1_271801442.
Proportion in Fashion Design. Disha Fashion Institute, www.dishafashioninstitute.com/proportion-in-fashion-design.
The Parthenon and the Golden Ratio. Golden Ratio in Art, goldenratioinart.artinterp.org/omeka/neatline/show/the-parthenon.
What is the Golden Ratio and How Can We Use It in Fashion? LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-golden-ratio-how-can-we-use-fashion-brianna-wood.
