 Here are five of the most commonly
asked questions about fashion that I have ever come across in
all the magazines that I read.
- What is fashion?
- When am I in or out of fashion?
- Who and what influences fashion?
- Where do I start?
- Why should I?
All these questions are answered
through a basic understanding of
The Seven Basic
Fashion Elements
Previous articles printed
on this page
A clear understanding of how fashion and what it consists
of has the following advantages:
- I do not have to spend a fortune on the newest fashion
- I could be a fashion-leader and not a trend-follower
- I can adapt my wardrobe to fashion cheaply
All
trendy, identifiable items represent at least five of these
categories. These garments last one season only! To really be
in fashion at an investment-rate, only two or three of these
categories have to be represented.
1.
Colour
One should always distinguish between
fashion-colours and the colour that suits you the best. Say
for instance that yellow is in fashion, and it definitely does
not compliment your complexion, you may shop amoungst
accessories like scarves, skirts, bangles, etc. Remember that
The Little Black Number constantly needs adding onto. Colour
also influences the people around you and is easily recognized
when you wear that item for a second time.
Back to top
2. Texture: This is where the constant search for
new fabrics influences the many artists that are involved in
creating fashion. Satins are soft and shiny. Tweeds are harder
and woven. Denim has become commercial. Chiffons are
see-through. Cottons are cool in summer. Jersey stretches.
Synthetics do not crease. Therefore the sky is the limit if
you are searching for individuality. Combine different
textures to create that unique look.
Back to top
3. Silhouette:
The Fashion gurus of the world
often design for the perfect figure only. Currently the
silhouette is close to the female form. It is often
see-through and too figure hugging. If this does not appeal to
you, purchase the item in a larger number and take into
consideration that darker colours does have a slimming effect.
Separates are very popular, and will be for a while. If this
does not appeal to you, ignore! There are Six other Elements
of Fashion!
Back to top
4. Cut:
This section is seen as the way the
garment has been constructed. This is not the outline of the
garment. Not so long ago, garments were cut on the bias. This
worked only for the more perfect figures as it highlighted all
that should have not been revealed. Currently we see
bias-detail on the straight cut. This is extremely
complimentary to many figure types, and I suspect that it is a
trend that will last longer. Remember that the more vertical
these lines are, the taller one looks, while the horizontal
lines might appear to shorten your look.
Back to top
5. Length:
This is where fashion trends usually
vary from season to season, and literally from shop to shop.
Above the knee, on the knee or below the knee is the most
difficult question to answer off-hand. I have found that knees
are often ugly little old-man faces; therefore you should wear
the length that makes you look your best. Currently it is on
the knee, no – it is below the knee, no – I think it is above.
If you find that you desire the above-look and that you have
ugly knees, wear stockings or seek advice on the matter. …or
concentrate on one of the other Six Elements of Fashion.
Separate pieces are very short, tops show the navel, skirts do
not have a belt strip, etc, but it is more for the teen-age
crowd.
Back to top
6. Accessories:
Although buttons and zips are
not seen as accessories, they fall into this section. It is
often used as focus points, but more so indicates the kind of
accessory needed to compliment the total look. These fastening
methods are currently not extremely visible and are definitely
functional. Costume jewelry is big! This is the category where
fashion-buys are definitely for one season only. They are
cheap, realistic, and extreme fun to experiment with. Think of
belts, scarves, earrings, glasses, vests (yeah – vests!),
make-up, hairstyles, tattoo’s (?). Do not underestimate
this category.
Back to top
7. Combinations:
Yes! This is your own personal
style-category. This is often referred to as the mix-and-match
category. The rules here are simple: What do have…where are
you going to…what must you buy…why should you not? Combine
this category with any two of the other Six Elements of
fashion, and you have taken your first step to better, more
fashionable dressing! Good luck, and keep visiting my site at
www.simonrademan.co.za or www.simonrademan.com for more advice
and guidance should you need it. Knowledge is power! There are now only two more questions with answers
before you can start experiencing the splendour of fashion
World-happenings:
Dreams:
Countries in the news:
The weather:
Finances:
Quality:
Availability of
fabric.
Messages: |
like war, aids, September
the 11th
Wanting to be like Princess Diana
The
Olympics in Spain, Soccer in Germany
We have long
summers, England has long winters
how much does it
cost?
track suiting does not work for
tailoring.
Colours have meaning.
|
Fabric-designers and fabric
suppliers
Magazines
Class-leaders at school and at
university
Chain stores
Film stars and the
movie-characters they portray
Fashion
Designers
You
During a
consultation, our aim is to show you the possibilities of
looking your best! Knowledge is power! We shamelessly
share information with you and enable you to experience the
splendour of looking your best at all times! Should you want
this information at hand, at all times, we now have selected
information available regarding the following:
Wardrobe-planning,
Figure
analysis, The little black no.,
How Simon Rademan lost 35kg,
and The Elements of Fashion.
Copyright: Simon Rademan Fashion
Design Studio CC
Previous articles
|
