The Lasting Influence of Natural Forms in Fashion
Written by Natalia Cordero
Styling, Photography, Graphics and Creative Direction by Mavis Parks
Co-Styling by Molly Pritchett
Modeled By Hope Goodyear, Ellie McCleary, Gabrielle Gremaud and Zoë-Faye Malega
Nature has always been a favorite by many creatives through mediums like painting or photography. With nature surrounding us, we’re bound to pull inspiration from it and integrate it into culture and customs. This is especially true in the world of fashion. Nature provides all sorts of visuals like vibrant colors and textures that could be translated into fabric or garments. Humans have been doing so since the earliest stages of civilization.
Objects and shapes that are unchanged and found in their original state are considered natural forms. This can include leaves, pinecones, seashells, feathers, etc. Rich horticulture provides a blank canvas for artists to interpret what they see around them. Not only that, but certain aspects of nature are often used as symbols in different cultures, but can vary in meaning. For example, ancient Egyptians decorated textiles with floral patterns emphasizing their respect and admiration of nature. Lotus flowers were often used as a representation of rebirth and eternal life. Botanical prints are also no stranger to the Asian fashion culture, specifically in China and Japan. Traditional garments like a kimono or a cheongsam (qipao) incorporate intricate designs of cherry blossoms, bamboo, and chrysanthemums.
In other countries like India, Ecuador, and Nigeria, the traditional garments are more shape oriented with complex lines and patterns. Chaniya Cholis, often used in Gujarat, India, for celebrations, are symmetrical and heavily embellished with beading. Ponchos that can be found in Ecuador are beautifully decorated with lines varying in size. Ponchos are often paired with traditional long, flowy skirts that catch the eye with their bright colors and stripes. The Edo people, from southern Nigeria, adorn themselves with thick beads made from coral that can be made into pieces ranging from headpieces to handbags.
Nature has an incredible amount of influence on us to say the least. What if I told you it doesn't end there? What if I told you nature extends beyond art and crosses the threshold of math? Because it quite literally does, thanks to something called the Fibonacci sequence. The Fibonacci sequence, named after Italian scientist, Leonardo Pisano (aka Leonardo Fibonacci), is “a series of steadily increasing numbers in which each number (the Fibonacci number) is the sum of the two preceding numbers.” It looks like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, and so on. So, every integer that is produced is the sum of the prior two numbers. Astonishingly, if you count the spirals of seeds in the center of a sunflower, it will equal the Fibonacci number. The same thing can be found in spirals of pinecones, pineapples, and even cauliflower. Another fascinating avenue that the Fibonacci spiral can be spotted in are storms; hurricanes and tornadoes produce an uncanny image of the spiral.
I find it incredible that nature is so present in our lives. Whether some things are a coincidence or not, it still impacts the way we view the world. Fashion once again portrays our fascination with the natural world and its forms while also highlighting our more complex relationship with nature. While important to identify the ways nature influences fashion, it’s also necessary to recognize the exploitation of its resources in the industry. Mass production of materials puts pressure on the earth, hurting the very things we were inspired by. This isn’t to scare you, but to raise awareness. We are surrounded by gorgeous entities everyday that we so often take for granted! Let fashion and second hand stores be your natural muse and reflect on what nature has done for you.
