TECHNIQUE
51 Anatom ica Ily Correct
It is no coincidence that one of the things that
designer Geoffrey Beene is known for is liberat
ing a woman's body. He studied medicine at
Tu lane University for three years before shifting
gears and studying fashion at Traphagen School
of Fashion. He understood the mechanics of the
body, and therefore eliminated conventional
impediments such as unnecessary padding,
interlinings, zippers, and fasteners.
Comfort is one of the primary concerns for
the contemporary consumer. A designer benefits
from understanding the body and how it works,
such as what happens when a muscle contracts,
relaxes, or extends. Will a garment provide unre
stricted movement? Structures that encase the
body need to respond to the pliability of muscles
and the rigidity of bones. Studying the anatomy
of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic
life could provide a wealth of design cues. The
architecture of plant life might suggest alterna
tive methods in solving creative challenges. Even
microscopic organisms can serve as a source of
inspiration.
Athletic garments, medical garments, and under
garments take advantage of textile technology
and engineering to address the issues associated
with mobility. Beyond range of motion, the same
tools can be applied to compressing the body to
protect or reshape it. A good comprehension of
the body and how it works also allows the de
signer to isolate aspects of the design process to
address specific areas of the body, with each zone
offering its own advantages and disadvantages.
108 Fashion Design Essentials
