TECHNIQUE
58. A Cut Above
Scissors are an essential part of a designer's tool
kit, for obvious reasons. When it comes to most
garments, a designer will use shears to trim away
excess fabric and shape the overall silhouette,
which includes carving out necklines and arm
holes. The laser takes the art of the cut to a new
level of precision and efficiency.
Although cutting holes and trimming edges into
scallops is technically a process of elimination,
it is also a form of decoration. Shaped keyhole
openings have long been incorporated into the
design of a closure, but these openings can be
scaled and even multiplied for dramatic effect.
The cutaway aesthetic is also the basis of cut
work needle lace and embroideries. The edges of
any area that is extracted may be left untreated,
bound with thread, or finished with a facing.
Carefully considered cutting proves that there
are times when what is removed is as important
as what is added.
122 Fashion Design Essentials
A model wearing a ready-to
wear outfit featuring cut-outs
by designer Yohji Ya mamoto,
2010
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