They say imitation is the finest form of flattery, so to reach muse status by a creative mind can be interpreted as nothing but complimentary. Where one takes inspiration from ultimately gives insight to their values, passions, and sources of curiosity; and the fashion industry has proven time and again their most loyal muse remains nature. It’s almost poetic that Mother nature, the giver of all life, breathes life and fuel into an industry of creation.
Looking back at photos of mine from Colorado State’s Annual Trial Gardens, it isn’t difficult to see the kinds of influences within fashion. Everything from patterns of coloration, movement, and texture can be found in wildlife. The ability to draw inspiration from something so beautifully pure and playfully manipulate and expand upon them is what makes fashion the environment’s best student.
Juxtaposing Colors
The boldness and sheer controversy between juxtaposing colors in flowers and their leaves or a garment and their accessories offer the same essence of vitality for each color combination.
Movement
The shape we give clothes, and, conversely, the shape clothes give us has everything to do with it’s movement. Wildlife’s vulnerability to the elements forces nature into patterns of adaption, which must have had a hand in sparking the idea to manipulate fabrics and material to adapt and take new shapes of their own in motion.
Ombre
Playing with the fade effect and a gradual dye process creates the same drama and luxe effect as these intricate dahlias. Clothing is as much an art piece as it is functional, and as such designers, like artist, are interested in creating paths for viewers’ eyes. Like the ombre found in wildlife, focal points are created and our eye gradually follow the path from dark to light.
Texture
The velvet-like celosia flowers and feathery astilbe strand inspire both the sense of touch and sight, adding an entirely new dimension and level of intrigue to say a chunky heel or layered earring.
Monochromatic
Blending and coordinating in groups is considered a safety tactic in the wild, but when it comes to fashion, monochromatic ensembles are actually considered risks. However, translating a field of similar colored petunia’s into an ensemble of matching separates establishes the same sense of satisfaction.